Connexion

Samoa declares state of emergency after collapse of main power network

Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.

Partagez:

Authorities in Samoa have declared a state of emergency following a prolonged failure of their main thermal power plant, leading to electricity cuts across the island of Upolu. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, comes as the Pacific archipelago faces an ongoing energy crisis, worsened by storm damage that occurred in early March.

The diesel-powered Fiaga plant has seen its generators fail successively over recent weeks. As a result, a significant portion of the population, estimated at 200,000, is experiencing severe energy rationing. The government confirmed that power rationing and the temporary closure of businesses will have a direct economic impact on the country’s operations.

Pressure on infrastructure and economic consequences

Authorities indicated that adverse weather conditions further damaged energy installations. The storm not only paralysed ongoing repair efforts but also affected the safety of residential buildings and public services. In response, several sectors have suspended operations, adding strain to an economy already reliant on fuel imports and international assistance.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the reduced output of the Fiaga plant has severely limited electricity distribution. Prolonged outages in residential and commercial areas have increased network vulnerability and complicated the management of local resources.

Response measures and aid mobilisation

As part of the emergency declaration, the Samoan government has begun ordering temporary generators to address the immediate power shortfall. It is also seeking critical spare parts to restore the defective systems at the Fiaga plant. This situation has placed the entire national energy infrastructure under pressure, as authorities work to quickly secure a partial restoration of production capacity.

The state of emergency also aims to expedite diplomatic and logistical procedures needed to receive foreign support. No specific timeline has been announced for stabilising the grid, but officials confirmed that immediate efforts are focused on maintaining essential services and ensuring public safety.

  • Populaires ​
Airbus selects ENGIE to decarbonise 22 industrial sites across Europe
Octopus Energy launches $60 million fund for African energy
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
Saint-Nazaire selects Dalkia for its 90% renewable heating network
EMBER: Solar with batteries becomes profitable in the world’s sunniest regions
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India proposes virtual power purchase agreements for industrial companies
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
France Accelerates PPE with Decree Expected Before September 2025
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
Brussels increases pressure on states to guarantee affordable energy
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.
Brussels seeks to accelerate permitting for renewable energy projects
The European Commission held a high-level dialogue to identify administrative obstacles delaying renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects across the European Union.
Liberia mobilises $300mn for its power grid but still faces a 51.8% supply gap
Despite increased generation capacity and lower tariffs, Liberia continues to rely on electricity imports to meet growing demand, particularly during the dry season.
Lee Jae-myung could slow nuclear expansion in South Korea
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, is reviewing the national energy policy, aiming to rebalance nuclear regulations without immediately shutting down reactors currently in operation.
CRE adopts 237 decisions and targets grid adaptation by 2028
The French Energy Regulatory Commission released its 2024 annual report, highlighting sustained activity on grid infrastructure, pricing, and evolving European regulatory frameworks.
Washington significantly reduces penalties imposed on foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers
The United States is easing proposed penalties for foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers, sharply reducing initial costs for international operators while maintaining strategic support objectives for the American merchant marine.
Africa captures only 2% of global clean energy investment in 2025
While capital is flowing into clean technologies globally, Africa remains marginalised, receiving only a fraction of the expected flows, according to the International Energy Agency.
Mexico targets up to $9bn in private investment for renewable energy
The Mexican government aims to mobilise up to $9bn in private investment by 2030, but the lack of a clear commercial framework raises doubts within the industry.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS