Renewable Energy for for Micronesia Micronesia

Kelly, Doug; Hezel, Francis X. (2006-09-07). [www.micsem.org Renewable Energy for for Micronesia Micronesia]. Micronesian Counselor (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Micronesian Seminar. pp. 1–10.

• Has attachment: File:4HNBUHUE.pdf

Abstract: "The bad news is that Micronesia has an energy problem. The good news is that Micronesia has the opportunity to solve that energy problem while improving quality of life, expanding economic opportunities, and preserving traditional cultural values for Micronesians. One of the keys to Micronesia's future is renewable energy. This means energy from sources that grow back or renew themselves. Micronesia is blessed with sun and wind, rain and mountain, ocean waves and depths; all sources of renewable energy for those with the wit and will to harvest them.

Energy from sources such as gasoline or diesel is not renewable because the petroleum they are made from formed over millions of years (hence 'fossil fuel'). Once the current supply of fossil fuels is gone, it's gone forever. Micronesia has no fossil fuel resources, so every gallon of fossil fuel we burn is imported. Many oil-exporting countries, or the supply routes the refined fuel must travel through, are politically unstable; any upset along the way causes shortages and higher prices here.

Micronesia has become addicted to imported fossil fuels. The supply of this 'drug' is becoming more expensive. Just as an addict will do anything to secure the next 'fix', so Micronesia will be tempted into unwise choices if it remains dependent. The wise choice is to kick the habit now, to immediately begin reducing Micronesian dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Micronesia became dependent on imported fossil fuels during the Trust Territory days. Although other options did exist, the technical advice and technology offered to Micronesians was the same as that used in mainstream America: gasoline engines for cars and boats, and large diesel generators feeding a centralized power grid, all burning imported fossil fuels. Because the costs of capital equipment, fuel, and maintenance were being paid by Uncle Sam, there was no reason to look for other solutions; energy wasn't perceived as a problem. The only issue was how quickly generators could be installed, and how often they could be resupplied with imported fossil fuels. Following the advice of conventional experts seemed to be a good idea at the time, but in hindsight it is clear that Micronesia needed to follow a different path..."