The Energy Transition in American Samoa

American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific Ocean, consists of five volcanic islands and two atolls. s economy is traditionally based on fishing and agriculture, with tuna fishing and tuna processing plants being the backbone of the industrial sector. In recent years, there has been an effort to diversify the economy through tourism. Like many Pacific islands, American Samoa faces challenges related to energy sustainability and climate change. The territory is working towards reducing its dependency on imported diesel fuel by investing in renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. Efforts are also being made to enhance resilience against climate change, with initiatives focusing on coastal protection. Given its remote location and the high costs associated with importing fossil fuels, the transition to renewable energy is both an economic and environmental priority for the territory. The US government supports the American Samoan government in developing policies and regulations that facilitate the transition to renewable energy. This includes financial incentives for renewable energy projects and regulatory frameworks for utility operations for energy independence.