By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions have entered into a memorandum of understanding to develop a solar farm on CPA property in Saipan.
The CPA board, during its June 12, 2026 meeting, was informed by management that “after extensive review, including external consultation with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, CPA and the solar contractor Eastern Power Solutions entered into a memorandum of understanding that primarily obligates EPS to finance, develop, operate and maintain a solar energy facility at the airport while complying with all aviation, security and regulatory requirements.”
The MOU obligates CPA to provide access to designated property and coordinate project development, while retaining full control over airport operations, safety and termination rights.
Under the agreement, a total of 40 acres of CPA property has been designated for the solar project, including 20 acres to accommodate the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s solar energy facility.
The proposed site is the CPA grazing area on the southeast side of the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport runway, along the road leading to Naftan Point.
An additional 10 acres at the Free Trade Zone is also under consideration under a separate lease agreement for Eastern Power Solutions’ use for container staging and potential transformer and switchgear manufacturing.
During a House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications meeting in January 2026, CPA Executive Director Esther Ada told lawmakers the solar farm proposal was submitted to NREL for technical review. She said the project is intended to reduce CPA’s utility costs, which total about $3 million annually for all ports on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Ada also said the request for proposal does not necessarily envision CPA earning revenue from excess energy generated by the solar farm.
At a June 12 board meeting, members were informed that CPA and Eastern Power Solutions have been communicating weekly since May 27, 2026.
Eastern Power Solutions recently completed a 21-megawatt solar energy project in American Samoa, according to an e-newsletter from Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
“In addition, Eastern has a track record of infrastructure development projects such as supporting the SK Battery America facility in Georgia, specialized work at Major League Baseball stadiums, and the acquisition and planned revitalization of the Pacific Star Resort in Guam,” King-Hinds said in the e-newsletter.
“I look forward to working with Eastern and other alternative energy partners to help secure reliable, affordable energy solutions for the Marianas,” King-Hinds said following a visit last week from Eastern Power Solutions CEO Daniel Myung and Executive Vice President Karen Brazell at her Washington, D.C. office.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
