American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee
Monthly Meeting
Friday–September 9, 2011
Attendance (12:10 to 1:45 pm)
ASREC: Andra,David (Chamber of Commerce),Nonu (MWR),Jim (EPA), Doug (Governor’s Office), Charles (DOC), Sal (ASCC)
NREL: Misty DOI: Lydia
Associates: Kenape, Vaasa, Ryan, Joachim, April
Agenda:
- Order & Roll Call
- New Business
- Barriers Exercise
- American Samoa Energy Plan
Attachments:
1. August 11, 2011 minutes
2. Organization Chart
Meeting Notes:
I. Welcome and Administration:
Andra welcomed participants noting attendance and handouts – turning the time over to Misty for agenda items. Misty presented the edited minutes and noted the new organizational chart.
David Robinson proposed the motion to accept the minutes, Sal seconded.
Motion unanimously accepted.
II. New Business
A. Misty announced a new training/conference via teleconference on 9/13/11 – Region Wind Working Group – Alaska island group – discussing similar island issues.
B.Misty invited any new business for the agenda:
1. Sal reported on the progress by the Outreach and Educational Subcommittee:
The subcommittee identified 6 members – including Topa Tupuola and Sonny. He noted they were looking at areas of curriculum, bio-mass at Land Grant program and several other core basics to meet ASREC goals.
Misty reported that Fala at TEO is scheduled to present at next monthly meeting.
Discussion included: review of whether outreach and educational programs were coordinated with TEO. Sal reported all work is consolidated based on one plan – thus the assessments. Misty noted she’ll check what NREL has available and reviewed programs that work with weather programs and community colleges. Lydia reviewed Angie’s upcoming trip and meeting with the Governor to update him of work done up to date. Misty noted there is an information summary memo available to present.
IV. Energy Plan
Misty informed everyone she is available to meet with sub-committees and can schedule these later. Misty is available to review objectives, methodologies, decisions to accomplish goals, etc. The final assessment is completed and was delayed per ASPA’s request to give feedback. It has since moved to legal review and is pending publication. The assessment reviewed major projects, opportunities for funding, steps wind can be realized, EPA regulations and steps to move forward. Further reviewed issues on conservation, energy efficiency, technical options, getting information out and where it comes from, baseline and performance measurement, ASPA projects, PVs for schools, etc.
Discussion included: review of the transportation section – personal and agency, David Chandler’s comments that the report lacked data in the transport area when it is a major energy sector. It was noted that water and transport sections are not in the report. Discussion led into issues on the availability of the report for the committee-s feedback, the importance of getting the committee’s feedback, clarifying review distribution and an action plan to accomplish getting feedback prior to finalizing the report. ASPA provided their feedback during requested extension period. It was also noted that any changes could be issued as an addendum and reviewed the scope or work on the assessment report.
Task: all ASREC members assigned to review the assessment report and provide feedback prior to the Governor’s meeting. Do not distribute report. ASREC to meet on Wednesday prior to Governor’s meeting (this was canceled).
Jim of AS-EPA noted their Director and most members are volunteering outside their regular scope of work. ASREC is a huge responsibility and there are resources on hydrology, US geo-technical surveys at AS-EPA’s disposal. Discussion on agency roles included DOC involvement with permitting – energy related policies – what is available and what does the community want to achieve. Charles of DOC discussed excess roads, Lydia reviewed the economic development issues and Andra reviewed the Governor’s executive order – integrating of energy into jurisdictions – environmental partners. Lydia noted it doesn’t matter if you are directly involved – it is all encompassed.
Task: Misty to forward project development guide – different steps to get energy enrolled: regulations, financial – review steps and does it make sense.
Jim reviewed inferred resources - Saudia Arabia – steps taken, whether is energy recovered, impacts in development and community - if viable to attract commercial resources businesses.
Reviewed document exchange, exchange via e-mail, website (nothing available at NREL – per Andra – ASPA has, also AS.gov, Lydia reminded it is government related – can’t use yahoo)
Sal presented the motion to recommend that ASREC use ASPA resource for document exchange, seconded by ?
Motion unanimously accepted.
Action Item: Please have Sub-Committees discuss how this is being used.
Example through comprehensive strategies, glossies for outreach program
Misty discussed the importance to transform e-paradigms, understand vulnerabilities – climate change, good to have EPA review.
Sec. B - reviewed background….(refer to handout) - a pre-view here on what NREL has done…. Good.. to review how it changes menu when working on projects. Reviewed graphs, business as usual - adding in different technologies and their impacts. Discussion included retrofits, canneries, residential and government customers – mixes and enrgy efficiencies, levelized costs, type of investments per technology, shipping, maintenance, feasibility. Also discussed financing, energy developments, outreach campaign, customer and social acceptance, policies, codes, emergency guide – conservation, audit program, green roofs, types f e-sources, etc.
III. Barriers
Misty noted review of barriers identifies challenges and helps the committee move forward. In October – the document (about 30 pages) will be forwarded. Reviewed high level barriers and further review canbe done in sub-committees to also identify solutions. Several barriers and solutions identified – discussion included:
- land availability – renewable projects needs this unless project is on a building… effective use of space….
- Certain type of land….great opportunity – but can’t put projects thru
- Social – modification of comfort
- Transmission – discussed net metering, reviewed stabilization, the need to review goal and whether it can be realized with the other various impacts.
- Fossil fuel – do we have enough, security issues, any emergency resource, global peak oil, cheap accessible oil – Colorado - hydro
Sal noted historically Samoa is a green culture, but influenced by modernization and has the potential with education to go back.
Discussion also included transnational boundaries, job creation, land intensity. Jim reviewed perception – points of generation, wind in Vatia as a model. Noted GIS mapping projects and reviewed Iceland developments that affected costs – a paradigm change. Joachim noted these are concerns with all islands and reviewed baseloads and geo-thermal generation. Other issues discussed is that developers are in American Samoa as energy sources aren’t considered reliable – recognize that relationships need to be marketed. Misty noted how the assessment will impact developers and ASREC need to review how it will address and vet these inquiries, to be diligent. David noted to know who and what will they be looking at. Misty noted change happens with small projects – made affordable, thermal on residential and schools – policies are impacted. Andra reviewed the ASPA renewable projects – anemometers, jacket water, hybrid car – leading to discussion in area of transport, road conditions – speed – battery life.
Sub-committees will schedule their meetings and coordinate Misty’s participation.
Meeting adjourned 1:45pm
Assignments:
- Fala Leasiolagi to present at next October 2011 ASREC meeting
- Misty to forward Project Development guide
- Sub-committees to incorporate energy plan in action plans
- ASREC to read the assessment report and forward comments to Andra.
- ASREC to meet Wednesday prior to Governor’s meeting (canceled)
ASREC 9/9/11 Page 1 of 4