Today at the U.S. Embassy in Koror, Palau, the United States Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr., and Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland previewed state-of-the-art infrastructure which will make the embassy the first net zero United States mission in the world.
A new solar array will provide 100 percent of the embassy’s power needs and result in over $100,000 in annual savings. It will also play an important role in helping Palau reach its renewable energy goals. The system will produce energy and, with a net metering partnership with Palau Public Utilities Corporation, provide power to the local grid during the day while purchasing back at night. The new system will be accompanied by other mission energy efficiency measures like LED lighting.
Project development began in late 2018 with a study of the possibilities for developing a net zero embassy. In July 2019, the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations awarded a contract to a U.S. firm for the mission in Koror, along with embassies in the Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Micronesia. To construct and complete the new solar array, the State Department’s U.S. contractor has leveraged local Paluan partners and labor.
The Biden-Harris Administration has set a goal for a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045. Embassy Koror is the first step for the department in achieving that objective. Through energy savings and renewable production, the embassy in Koror will offset 154 metric tons of carbon each year.
For more details please contact Debbie Toriboing by email at ToribiongD@state.gov
