MAJURO — The Pacific Power Association launched a three-year regional training initiative here with the Marshalls Energy Co.
“We’ll be using in-house expertise to train (power plant personnel) instead of relying on high-priced consultants from outside the region who don’t what it’s like to run a power plant in isolated places,” said MEC general manager William F. Roberts at the opening of the Majuro-based training program-–the first under the new plan, and part of a series of trainings throughout the region that aim to improve power plant operations in PPA’s member countries.
The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding 100 percent of the first year costs-–estimated at $360,000 Pacific islands, with an additional two years of funding to be negotiated based on the outcome of the first year, according to Tony Neil, PPA’s Fiji-based executive director. He said that if the PPA can demonstrate that the trainings are sustainable and producing results, the U.S. government is prepared to provide nearly $1 million over three years. The French government is also providing funding, he said.
The training is “an important landmark for the Pacific,” Roberts said.
“It’s putting the Pacific islands on the map. There’s a lot of expertise in the region.”
A Pacific Power Association assessment of 22 power plant operations in the region showed that the Marshalls Energy Co. power plant “stood out as one of the best performing power plants in the Pacific” and it was designated to host the power plant trainings for the other north Pacific companies, Neil said. Different power companies throughout the Pacific will be hosting other training programs in their areas of strength, Neil said.
U.S. Embassy deputy chief of mission Jennifer Brush said the U.S. government was delighted to be associated with this training program. She called the PPA program “an outstanding effort.” She described it as well-targeted, aimed at capacity building and encouraging regional cooperation. “This is the type of program the U.S. government likes to fund,” she said.
Justice Minister Witten Philippo said the Marshall Islands “takes pride in the work that MEC has done in Majuro.” He commented that in addition to running a first class power operation, MEC has an excellent record of accountability. The Majuro power company regularly receives unqualified audits that demonstrate it is doing a fine job, he said. Where there is dedication and the spirit of providing good service, “you get MEC,” Philippo said.
