Majuro, Marshall Islands – More reliable power is on the horizon for Majuro residents as MEC successfully completes testing of its two new high-capacity generators that will soon make their way to Majuro.
The two 2.5MW generators passed their critical Factory Acceptance Tests on January 16 and January 30, 2025. These tests confirm the generators meet all performance requirements and are ready to serve the people of Majuro.
“For our customers, these generators mean fewer outages, more stable power, and better support for everyday activities we all depend on—from keeping food refrigerated to powering medical equipment and supporting local businesses,” said MEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jack Chong-Gum. “When your lights stay on consistently, that’s not just convenience—that’s a better quality of life.”
Funded through the World Bank’s Sustainable Energy Development Project (SEDeP), these generators represent a direct investment in every household and business that relies on MEC’s service. The units should arrive in Majuro within the next few months.
WHY THREE MORE GENERATORS MUST BE SECURED IN 2025
While the two incoming generators will provide welcome relief, MEC is already working with the Government on an even more crucial phase: securing three additional 3.6MW generators. The RMI Government has demonstrated its commitment to this critical infrastructure by approving $17 million in its FY2025 budget specifically for this purpose.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to President Hilda Heine, her Cabinet, and the Nitijela for their extraordinary support in securing this crucial funding,” said MEC’s CEO. “Their $17 million commitment demonstrates true leadership and understanding of how essential reliable power is to our nation’s development. This partnership between MEC and the government will benefit every household and business on Majuro.”
MEC is urgently coordinating with RMI government offices to secure final clearances to launch the procurement process for these critical generators. Any delay beyond early 2025 would create serious risks to the Capital island’s power supply. Here’s why this timeline is absolutely non-negotiable for maintaining reliable service to all customers:
- Critical Timeline for Uninterrupted Service: Power Station 2, which houses MEC’s largest engines (the Deutz generators), requires major rehabilitation. Without replacement capacity in place before this essential maintenance begins, widespread outages would become inevitable.
- Growing Island Power Needs: Peak power demand is projected to reach 17MW within a decade—far beyond current capacity. Families adding air conditioning, businesses expanding operations, and new development all contribute to this growing need.
- 18-Month Manufacturing Lead Time: Unlike smaller equipment, these specialized generators require at least 18 months from order to delivery. Delaying procurement beyond early 2025 would create a dangerous gap between existing capacity and island needs.
“We’re at a critical juncture in our power infrastructure development,” the CEO emphasized. “Proceeding with these additional generators in early 2025 isn’t just good planning—it’s absolutely essential to prevent a potential power crisis during the necessary rehabilitation of our Power Station 2 building. Every household and business in Majuro will directly benefit from these proactive steps.”
These strategic generator investments are a critical component of MEC’s ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts, focusing directly on enhancing power reliability.
“When you turn on a switch, you should be confident the power will be there,” added the CEO. “That’s the future we’re building—one where reliable electricity isn’t a hope, but an expectation our customers can count on.”
For more information about these improvements and MEC’s ongoing modernization projects, please visit www.mecrmi.com.
