Ebeye, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands β Every family on Ebeye knows what it means to lose power. The lights that go out during dinner. The fans that stop turning on a hot night. The small businesses that have to close early. Reliable electricity isn’t just a service β it’s the quiet foundation of daily life, and the people of Ebeye have waited a long time for the kind of investment that matches how important it is.
Today, we are proud to share that the wait is coming to an end. Marshalls Energy Company (MEC), working hand in hand with the Kwajalein Atoll Development Authority (KADA), is preparing to deliver the largest upgrade to Ebeye’s power system in the island’s history. This is our promise to the community: a modern, reliable power plant built for the future, and built with Ebeye’s people at the center of every decision.
None of what follows would be possible without KADA. Their financial support is the foundation this entire program is being built on. MEC is proud to lead the implementation, but the vision, commitment, and funding provided by KADA is what turns this plan into a reality for Ebeye families.
“On behalf of MEC and everyone who calls Ebeye home, I want to personally thank the KADA Board of Directors and Executive Director Anjojo Kabua for their extraordinary support,” said Jack Chong-Gum, MEC’s Chief Executive Officer. “This project is a partnership in the truest sense. KADA has stepped forward for the people of Ebeye in a way that will be felt for generations, and MEC is honored to carry that trust forward.”
Following the merger of MEC and Kwajalein Atoll Joint Utility Resources (KAJUR), planning is now underway to completely transform Ebeye’s aging power plant into a modern, resilient facility designed to serve the island for decades to come.
At the heart of the project is a new power plant building to replace the original structure, which dates back to the 1980s. Rather than patch up the old engine hall, MEC will construct a purpose-built facility using modern, corrosion-resistant materials better suited to Ebeye’s marine environment. The new building will provide a safer, cleaner workspace for our staff and will significantly extend the lifespan of the plant.
The project also includes four new Caterpillar 3612 medium-speed diesel generators, each capable of producing approximately 2.5 megawatts of continuous power. These will replace the high-speed generators that have served Ebeye for many years. Think of it like moving from a hard-working sprinter to a steady marathon runner. Medium-speed generators are built for continuous operation, use fuel more efficiently, need less frequent replacement, and can run for more than 100,000 hours. That means a much stronger backbone for Ebeye’s power supply.
The new generators are also being matched to the Caterpillar units already going into MEC’s new Power Station 1 in Majuro. Standardizing equipment across both utilities will make maintenance simpler, reduce the spare parts we need to stock, improve staff training, and strengthen cooperation with neighboring Pacific utilities using the same technology.
The upgrade extends well beyond the generators. Plans include improvements to fuel storage and handling, switchgear and protection equipment, cooling and ventilation, control systems, SCADA monitoring, cabling, and the other supporting systems needed to safely operate a modern power station.
The new facility is also being designed with Ebeye’s future in mind. As the island continues to grow its renewable energy capacity, the new power station will work seamlessly alongside the solar and battery storage projects being developed by our partners. Pairing dependable generation with renewable energy and battery storage will improve system stability, reduce fuel use, and support the Marshall Islands’ path toward cleaner energy.
Climate resilience has been a central part of the design. Generators and critical electrical equipment will be elevated to reduce flood risk, more durable materials will stand up to the marine environment, and nearby seawall and renewable energy work will provide additional protection.
We have also planned construction carefully so that electricity service can continue throughout the project. While the original engine hall is being replaced, the existing generator annex and control room will remain in operation, allowing our crews to keep power flowing to the community during construction.
With an estimated combined investment of more than US$16 million, this is one of the largest single investments ever proposed for Ebeye’s electricity infrastructure. The program will be delivered in stages over several years to ensure careful planning, sustainable funding, and the smallest possible disruption to our customers.
This is more than a construction project. It is a promise that when a mother turns on a light after a long day, when a shopkeeper opens their doors in the morning, or when a student sits down to study at night β the power will be there. It is a promise made possible by KADA’s belief in Ebeye, and delivered by an MEC team that is proud to serve you.
Kommol tata to KADA, to our partners, and most of all to the people of Ebeye. This new chapter belongs to you.
About MEC: MEC is the national electric utility of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), responsible for power generation, transmission, and distribution across the country. MEC is committed to increasing renewable energy penetration and improving energy access for all Marshallese communities. Additionally, MEC is dedicated to helping the RMI achieve its renewable energy and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement.