Department of Public Lands Secretary Oscar M. Babauta said two firms approached DPL two months ago seeking to lease public lands for renewable energy projects.
“They have expressed serious proposal to us that will not only benefit [the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.] but it will benefit overall the people of the CNMI.”
Although Babauta declined to release the identities of the investors saying it’s too premature at this time, Variety broke the news in February that a German group was on Saipan looking to put up solar power plant.
“Assuming this pushes through, this is one positive investment that DPL may invest in,” said Babauta.
He told Variety that the German group of investors was inquiring about leasing parcels of land on the north side of Saipan while the Japanese group was asking about public lands in the south.
“We have not come down to the part of dollar figure of the investments,” said Babauta adding that by virtue of their basic request of parcels of property, somewhere between 15-18 hectares — the investment is huge.
Babauta confirmed to Variety that the Japanese group is interested in parcels of property in Obyan and As Gono.
He said the proposals also indicated provision for allowing the firm to acquire more land as it expands operations.
Both investors were looking at 40-year lease.
“We have not discussed any financial detail yet other than they’re very enthusiastic in procuring the needed parcels of land,” said Babauta.
As for the public lands on the north side of the island, Babauta said DPL needs to make a thorough research if it could sustain the request.
“They said they will be communicating with us as soon as they established their local office here primarily. Their local office will be dealing with DPL with respect to their request,” he added.
