A Step Toward Stable Power Supply: Celebrating the Completion of the New 34.5 kV Transmission Line

 

    
 

On June 19, 2025, representatives from the Government of Palau, the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC), Japanese implementing partners TOENEC, Aichi Electric, and Yachiyo Engineering, along with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Embassy of Japan, gathered at PPUC’s Kokusai Substation in Ngatpang State to mark the official handover of a major infrastructure achievement: the new 34.5 kV transmission line connecting Malakal and Kokusai, and the completion of two substations at each end. This event marked a major milestone for the “Project for the Development of Power Transmission Network”, a $17 million USD grant aid initiative funded by the Government and people of Japan through JICA, and implemented by PPUC. 

The ceremony was attended by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who delivered his keynote remarks. “Today, we celebrate the completion of a very important project that brings grid stability to Palau and opens the door for more green, renewable energy,” he said. “This is a critical upgrade to our aging infrastructure—an investment not just in today’s energy demands, but in the needs of the future. None of this would be possible without the steadfast support and generosity of the Government and people of Japan. From infrastructure to energy, passport modernization to economic resilience—Japan continues to stand with Palau.”
The new 34.5kV Malakal-Kokusai transmission line is the second line which strengthens the stability of the electricity supply to the people of Palau. Previously, the power distribution network in Koror and the southern part of Babeldaob had relied on the single transmission line, making the entire area vulnerable to disruptions from localized issues. With the second transmission line forming a loop, it is now easier to maintain power supply through alternative routes in case of trouble. Along with the two substations in Malakal and Kokusai, the project is expected to reduce power outages in the country by 30 percent. Over the past year, the community has experienced power outages and road closures due to construction, but will now benefit from improved reliability that will continue into the future.

The new facilities will also reduce power losses during transmission, making more efficient use of the generated power. In addition to these, the increased capacity of the substation transformers will allow for future increases in demand.

H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two nations during his remarks: “The most important key to the success of any development project—more than funds or facilities—is the people working on the ground with mission, sweat, smiles, and tears. Japan and Palau share something special—Tokubetsu. Geography, history, family ties, and culture bind us closely.”

Ambassador Orikasa also noted the uniquely strong diplomatic relationship between Palau and Japan. Over the past year alone, President Whipps held three summit meetings with the Japanese Prime Minister and visited Japan four times in 2025—attending the Japan-Palau Summit in February, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Ocean Seminar in March, Palau National Day at the Kansai-Osaka Expo in April, and the Future of Asia Seminar hosted by Nihon Keizai Shimbun in May. “No other country has maintained this level of frequent summit exchanges with Japan,” the Ambassador emphasized.

Looking ahead, Palau’s upcoming roles as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2026 and Co-Chair of PALM11 in 2027 further underscore the nation’s growing regional leadership and the importance of continued Japan–Palau cooperation. Ambassador Orikasa outlined nine shared priorities to advance peace, prosperity, and resilience across the Pacific:

1. Boosting Japanese tourism to Palau through direct flights

2. Establishing a Japan–Palau Special Economic Agreement to support economic security

3. Successfully implementing the first public-private partnership (PPP) project at Palau International Airport

4. Completing the construction of Ngatpang Port

5. Enhancing border controls and issuing E-passports with visa waivers

6. Promoting IT and financial literacy through savings bonds

7. Supporting local agriculture and fisheries through human resource development

8. Direct investment in the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project

9. Advancing outcomes in health, sanitation, education, and public safety

“Our relationship is strong, but now is the time for action—urgent, committed, and focused on delivering real results for our people,” Ambassador Orikasa concluded.

The ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests including Nurap Nicholas Aquino from the Council of Chiefs; Hon. Gibson Kanai, Speaker of the House of Delegates; Hon. Charles I. Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries; Hon. Francesca Otong, Delegate of Ngatpang State; Hon. Jersey Iyar, Governor of Ngatpang; Hon. J. Blesoch Aderkeroi, Delegate of Ngardmau and Chair of the CIP Committee on Energy, Communications and Public Utilities; Mr. AOKI Tsunenori, JICA Chief Representative, along with other esteemed representatives from both Palau and Japan.

Together, the event marked not just a handover, but a step forward in Palau’s journey toward energy resilience, regional leadership, and a future powered by strong partnerships.