Majuro, Marshall Islands – The sight is striking – sleek solar panels now float atop two of the six airport water reservoir ponds, quietly capturing sunlight to power Majuro homes and businesses. This isn’t your typical solar installation. It’s the RMI Government’s latest step toward reliable, sustainable energy for the community, and part of a broader push to reduce RMI’s dependence on diesel fuel. This project would not become a reality if not for the coordinated assistance from the Majuro Water & Sewer Company (MWSC) operating the Reservoir system.
“We’ve completed installations on Ponds 1 and 2,” says the Project Manager for Sinosoar, the prime contractor for the World Bank-funded project. “When Ponds 4, 5 and 6 are finished next July, we’ll have a 2-megawatt system that will enhance grid stability and provide clean energy to the community.” The project represents one of the largest floating solar installations in the Pacific Island region.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Each floating panel array is tethered securely to micro-columns on the outside of the perimeter wall of each reservoir. Additional weighted anchor bags are positioned to control the movement of the array where columns cannot be installed. The complete system was designed to withstand our tropical weather conditions. Together, the completed system will generate enough electricity to power approximately 450 households, offsetting roughly 160,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually.
But what makes this project special isn’t just the technology – it’s the smart use of space. In land-scarce Majuro, every square foot counts. By placing solar panels on existing water reservoirs, MEC is putting otherwise unused surface area to work. The panels do double duty: they generate clean electricity while reducing water evaporation and algae growth in the water storage ponds at the reservoir facility. Studies from similar installations show up to 30% reduction in evaporation due to the presence of the panels.
For MEC customers, this means more than just clean energy. It’s about reliability and cost stability. Solar power helps reduce our dependence on imported diesel fuel, protecting customers from unpredictable fuel price swings that affect monthly bills. By diversifying our energy sources, we create a natural buffer against the volatile global fuel market that has caused significant variations in electricity rates over recent years. The new solar installation will help stabilize these costs, giving families and businesses more predictable monthly expenses.
“When the sun is shining, these panels will feed steady power into our grid,” explains MEC’s CEO. “This reliable daytime power generation helps us maintain consistent service while reducing our operating costs.” The system will include sophisticated monitoring equipment that will allow MEC to track performance in real time and respond quickly to any issues.
The project, constructed under the World Bank’s Sustainable Energy Development Project (SEDeP), showcases practical innovation at work. While the technology may be new to Majuro, floating solar installations have proven successful in other Pacific islands facing similar land constraints. In the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles launched a similar project in 2020, and several Asian countries have been operating floating solar farms for years.
This installation joins MEC’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects, including our recent rooftop solar installations at MIHS, RES, NDES, and Arrak. Together, these projects advance RMI’s goal of reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing energy security.
As work continues on the remaining ponds, MEC moves closer to its goal of providing stable, sustainable power for all customers. The project team maintains strict safety and quality standards, ensuring each panel is properly installed and tested before connecting to our grid. Current projections show completion by July 2025, with the system beginning to contribute power to the grid by the end of 2025 as the replacement power station 1 and the battery energy storage systems all come online.
“This isn’t just about generating electricity,” notes MEC’s CEO. “It’s about building a more resilient power system for our community. Every kilowatt of solar power we add means greater energy independence for Majuro.”
Image 1: Solar panels float on the airport reservoir in Majuro. They will generate clean energy while protecting our water supply. The installation will cover five ponds and generate 2 megawatts of clean power when completed.
Image 2: Majuro Airport Water Reservoirs
