American Samoa 


Energy Action Plan 

Scott Haase, Sean Esterly, David Herdrich, 

Tim Bodell and Charles Visser 

Sponsored by the Department of the Interior Office of Insular Affairs 

August2013 

Produced under direction of the U.S. Department of the 

Interior Office of Insular Affairs by the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory (NREL) under Interagency Agreement IAG10-1773 and Task No. WFF41010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This energy plan was prepared and facilitated by Scott Haase and Sean Esterly 

of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
 

under the guidance of the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee
 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) thanks the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of 

Insular Affairs (OIA) for providing funding for this effort. In particular, NREL would like to thank OIA 

Assistant Secretary Eileen Sobeck for her vision and leadership in moving the energy planning process 

forward in the Freely Associated States. 

NREL would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of OIA staff: Director Nikolao Pula, Angela 

Williams, Lydia Faleafine Nomura and Mark Brown. 

NREL would also like to thank the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee (ASREC) for their 

support in the development, review and finalization of this energy action planning document and the 

ongoing energy transformation efforts in American Samoa. ASREC members are listed in Appendix A.1. 

Tim Bodell of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency and Charles Visser of NREL wrote 

strategy 4 on geothermal power and David Herdrich of ASREC wrote strategy 5 on hydroelectric power. 

NOTICE 

This manuscript has been authored by employees of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC (“Alliance”) 

under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 with the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”). 

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States 

government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, 

makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, 

completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents 

that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial 

product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily 

constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or 

any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or 

reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 

This document describes the five near-term strategies selected by the American Samoa Renewable 

Energy Committee (ASREC) during action-planning workshops conducted in May 2013, and outlines the 

steps being taken to implement those strategies — see Table 1, below. 

Each option is tied to a priority identified in the draft American Samoa Strategic Energy Plan as being an 

essential component of reducing American Samoa’s petroleum consumption. The actions described for 

each strategy are meant to provide a roadmap to facilitate the implementation of each strategy. This 

document is intended to evolve along with the advancement of the projects and will be updated to 

reflect progress. 

Table 1. American Samoa Petroleum Reduction Strategies 

STRATEGY ACTIONS STRATEGY DEADLINE 

Strengthen the institutional 

capacity of ASREC 

• Hire a part-time coordinator 

• Develop proposal(s) for submission to the 

Empowering Insular Communities (EIC) grant 

program 

July 10, 2013 

Make Manu’a 100% 

renewable energy 

dependent by 2016 

• Deploy photovoltaics (PV) on Ofu and Ta’u 

• Conduct initial engineering studies for a 

transition to 100% renewable energy on Manu’a 

October 1, 2016 

Deploy wind and solar 

power on Tutuila 

• Conduct a prefeasibility study for grid integration 

• Issue a request for proposal (RFP) for a grid 

integration study 

• Determine the viability of issuing RFPs for wind 

and solar independent power producers (IPPs) 

October 1, 2016 

Assess the potential for 

geothermal power on 

Tutuila 

• Conduct preliminary evaluation (Phase I) 

• Conduct resource confirmation (Phase II) October 1, 2016 

Develop hydroelectric 

power resources 

• Develop a proposal for a feasibility assessment 

of the Fagatogo Hydroelectric Complex for 

submission to the EIC grant program 

• Develop an engineering design/architectural 

design, and access and trail design proposal, for 

the next round of funding based on the results of 

the feasibility study 

• Develop a restoration proposal for the next 

round of funding based on the results of the 

engineering and architectural design work 

October 1, 2015 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Document Overview ...................................................................................................................................... i
 

Action 1. Develop a proposal to conduct a feasibility assessment of the Fagatogo Hydroelectric
 

Complex and, if feasible, an engineering and architectural design for restoration work for submission
 

Action 2. Develop a restoration proposal for the next round of funding based on the results of the
 

Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................... ii
 

American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee ......................................................................................... 1
 

Vision......................................................................................................................................................... 1
 

Mission...................................................................................................................................................... 1
 

Directive .................................................................................................................................................... 2
 

The Energy Action Planning Process ............................................................................................................. 2
 

Strategy 1. Strengthen the Capability of ASREC Members to Manage and Implement Priority Actions.....3
 

Action 1. Hire a part-time coordinator ..................................................................................................... 3
 

Action 2. Develop proposal(s) for submission to the EIC grant program ................................................. 4
 

Strategy 2. Assist Manu’a Toward Energy Independence ............................................................................ 5
 

Action 1. Initiate deployment of PV for Ofu and Ta’u .............................................................................. 5
 

Action 2. Conduct initial engineering studies for a transition to 100% renewable energy on Manu’a....6
 

Strategy 3. Assess Feasibility of Wind and Solar Deployment for Tutuila .................................................... 7
 

Action 1. Conduct prefeasibility study for grid integration ...................................................................... 7
 

Action 2. Issue RFP for a grid integration study........................................................................................ 8
 

Action 3. Determine the viability of issuing RFPs for wind and solar IPPs................................................ 8
 

Strategy 4. Assess the Potential for Geothermal Power for Tutuila............................................................. 9
 

Action 1. Perform preliminary evaluation of geothermal power potential on Tutuila .......................... 10
 

Action 2. Perform validation phase exploration of Tutuila geothermal potential ................................. 11
 

Action 3. Perform resource confirmation phase .................................................................................... 11
 

Action 4. Perform resource development phase.................................................................................... 11
 

Strategy 5. Assess Hydroelectric Power Resource Development Potential ............................................... 12
 

to the EIC grant program. ....................................................................................................................... 13
 

engineering and architectural design work ............................................................................................ 14
 

Appendix: ASREC Energy Task Force Members and Other Contributors to the Action Plan...................... 15
 

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AMERICAN SAMOA RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE 

The American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee (ASREC) was established by Executive Order 

004-2010 on June 7, 2010, as amended by Executive Order 009-2013 on April 18, 2013. 

Vision 

Create a sustainable future by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

Mission 

Enhance the well-being of our citizenry, ensure energy and economic security through energy 

independence and diversification, and improve environmental quality. Educate all stakeholders on the 

importance of our vision by embracing conservation, energy efficiency and alternative energy. The 

ASREC will be a forum for considering options and offering guidance related to the achievement of its 

energy goals through policy, projects and programs. 

As stated in Executive Order No. 004-2010, and amended by Executive Order No. 009-2013, the ASREC’s 

mission includes the following objectives: 

1. Reduction of reliance and expenditures on fossil fuels. 

2. Development of indigenous and renewable energy sources. 

3. Improvement of energy generation infrastructure. 

4. Resource preservation, restoration and enhancement. 

5. Training and education regarding energy efficiency and conservation. 

6. Development of funding and financial strategies for sustainability and economic development. 

7. Engagement in national and regional efforts to address island energy concerns. 

8. Develop funding and financial strategies for sustainability and economic development. 

9. Engage in national and regional efforts to address island energy concerns. 

10. Support energy literacy curriculum in all educational institutions. 

11. Develop a vision, mission and goals for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving energy 

efficiency and developing renewable energy resources. 

12. Establish an organizational structure to appropriately develop a comprehensive, long-term strategic 

energy plan for American Samoa. 

13. Work with territorial and federal officials to secure technical assistance in the form of expertise and 

funding in order to move the Committee’s mission forward. 

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Directive 

Due to fluctuating energy prices and natural disasters such as the September 2009 earthquake and 

tsunami, American Samoa has focused attention on the need to develop alternatives to its near-100% 

reliance on petroleum by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The 

ASREC is undertaking a concerted effort to address current energy and environmental challenges. Due to 

American Samoa’s geographic isolation, nonrenewable resources are extremely limited and subject to 

volatility in pricing and availability. Energy security is fundamental to American Samoa’s economic future 

and quality of life. Consequently, creating a stable investment atmosphere remains challenging, while 

the quality of life for residents and visitors continues to be affected. 

American Samoa’s indigenous resources are abundant and should be considered to achieve energy 

diversity. Through appropriate study and discussion, the ASREC will determine cost-effective alternatives 

that will successfully support the Committee’s vision. 

The ASREC is a nonregulatory advisory group sponsored by the current Administration, composed of 

local volunteers from multisector stakeholder communities, and supported by federal agencies. The 

ASREC first convened in November 2010. 

THE ENERGY ACTION PLANNING PROCESS 

In the summer of 2010, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) funded 

the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct an initial technical assessment for 

American Samoa. The American Samoa Initial Technical Assessment Report1 was published in 2011, and 

was used by the ASREC as the starting point for developing the draft American Samoa Strategic Energy 

Plan, which was completed in 2012. With recent changes in the Administration, current ASREC members 

are reviewing the draft strategic plan with the intention of creating a final version by July 2013. 

In May 2013, the ASREC conducted energy action planning workshops, with support from NREL staff, to 

identify the near-term strategies that would be likely to have the greatest impact on reducing American 

Samoa's petroleum consumption. Those strategies are described in detail in this document. 

Unlike the strategic energy plan, which established the overall long-term goals for energy consumption 

and generation in American Samoa, this action plan selects a handful of specific strategies that are 

achievable in the short term (1-3 years), details the strategies in feasible incremental steps, identifies 

the stakeholders and desired outcomes, identifies the organizations and individuals responsible for 

implementing the actions, and sets a timeline for each step. 

When evaluating technology options, the ASREC focused on mature, proven technologies that are 

commercially available and financially viable today. Care was taken to ensure that the actions selected 

1 http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/50905.pdf 

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were not duplicating existing efforts and that they leveraged work in other agencies and organizations 

as much as possible. 

This action plan is a living document that will be regularly updated by the task force. Programs and 

strategies will be modified or replaced as the task force gathers new information about different 

approaches to reducing petroleum consumption and as new technologies for generating electricity and 

reducing transportation fuel consumption emerge, or existing, but previously impractical, technologies 

become commercially viable. 

STRATEGY 1. STRENGTHEN THE CAPABILITY OF ASREC MEMBERS TO MANAGE AND 

IMPLEMENT PRIORITY ACTIONS 

In order for the ASREC to function more effectively, the Committee members have determined that a 

part-time coordinator should be hired to help manage the overall efforts of the ASREC and to help 

identify potential funding for priority projects. This is necessary as all members of the ASREC are 

employed in full-time positions with responsibilities that prevent them from devoting the time required 

to coordinate ASREC efforts. 

Goal: Strengthen the ASREC’s ability to implement high-priority actions by hiring a part-time coordinator 

and pursuing grant funding for priority activities. 

Overall responsibility: Mark Kneubuhl and Tim Jones. 

Potential challenges: 

•	 American Samoa Territorial Energy Office (TEO)/American Samoa Government procurement process 

may be too slow to implement a contract for hiring a coordinator by July 1 

•	 TEO does not have a grant writer on staff. 

Overall deadline: July 10, 2013. 

Action 1. Hire a part-time coordinator 

The purpose of this action is to develop a proposal and hire a part-time coordinator for ASREC. Once 

funding is obtained, the coordinator will assist the ASREC in conducting its required business to meet the 

objectives established in the Governor’s Executive Order. The ASREC Coordinator will assist the ASREC 

with organizational and facilitation duties, scheduling committee meetings, tracking deadlines and 

milestones under the action plan, posting documents to the ASREC website (to be hosted on the TEO 

website) and coordinating ASREC member comments on the draft strategic energy plan. The coordinator 

will work with NREL to ensure that ASREC comments on the strategic energy plan are incorporated into 

a final plan. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Mark Kneubuhl. 

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Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 Develop a description of the duties of the coordinator. [Mark Kneubuhl to submit to Tim Jones, by 

May 17] 

2.	 Develop a proposal for submission to TEO. [Mark Kneubuhl, by June 1, 2013] 

3.	 Complete TEO review of the proposal. [Tim Jones, by June 15, 2013] 

4.	 Put a subcontract in place. [Tim Jones and Mark Kneubuhl, by July 1, 2013] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the ASREC meeting scheduled for 

June 18, 2013. [Tim Jones and Mark Kneubuhl] 

Estimated action funding: $25,000 

Action 2. Develop proposal(s) for submission to the EIC grant program 

Many of the actions identified through this action plan will require funding for implementation. The 

purpose of this strategy is to obtain initial funding to implement priority actions identified in strategies 2 

through 5 of this action plan. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of TEO. TEO will be the lead organization in 

preparing the grant. The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) and the American Samoa 

Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) will provide technical input as needed. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 ASREC members will communicate via email to narrow the list of potential proposals to be 

developed. [ASREC members, by June 1, 2013] 

2.	 The director of TEO will develop the draft proposal(s) and present the list at the next ASREC meeting 

on June 18, 2013, for discussion. [Tim Jones, by June 18, 2013] 

3.	 Prioritize the proposal(s) to be included in the submission. [ASREC, by June 18, 2013]
 

4.	 Submit the final proposal(s) to OIA no later than July 10, 2013. [Tim Jones, by July 10, 2013]
 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC meeting scheduled
 

for June 18, 2013.
 

Estimated action funding: None needed to prepare the proposal(s).
 

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STRATEGY 2. ASSIST MANU’A TOWARD ENERGY INDEPENDENCE 

The power cost on Manu’a is 50% higher than that on Tutuila and the grid is small enough that some of 

the existing 1.8 MW of Samsung panels available for use by ASPA could be used on both Ofu and Ta’u. If 

combined with sufficient energy storage (and possibly additional wind generation), a hybrid PV-storage 

system could provide baseload power. Only baseload power generation will have the cost-saving impact 

that the people of American Samoa seek. Implementing this idea would also save Tutuila $400,000 a 

year in power subsidies to Manu’a and would reduce ASPA’s costs associated with fueling and 

maintenance on Manu’a. Additionally, it could likely be completed within the Administration’s time 

frame. 

Goal: The goal of this strategy is for Manu’a to obtain 100% of its electrical power from renewable 

energy by October 1, 2016, at a lower cost to ASPA than the business-as-usual case. 

Overall responsibility: The director of TEO shall be responsible for coordinating this effort. ASPA, ASEPA 

and the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office (ASHPO) shall provide technical expertise, logistical 

support and permitting support/coordination. The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will help 

coordinate a public outreach campaign. 

Potential challenges: 

•	 The director of TEO has not yet been confirmed. This may present challenges to program 

implementation if the director is not confirmed by the next hearing in July 2013 

•	 Manu’a is remote. Transportation is unreliable and challenging, and communication can be difficult 

•	 There is a lack of trained staff on the islands. Operation and maintenance of equipment will be 

difficult and will require training for staff 

•	 The best locations for PV are very near to the coast. Salt spray is likely to be a significant problem, 

causing corrosion and requiring increased maintenance. 

Overall deadline: October 1, 2016. 

Action 1. Initiate deployment of PV for Ofu and Ta’u 

Action 1 focuses on the initial deployment of PV on Ofu and Ta’u based on technical, economic and 

social data gathering, and hybrid power-system analysis utilizing HOMER software modeling. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of TEO. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 Gather load, wind and solar data, and current system cost data from ASPA and the Stanford studies. 

[Director of ASPA, by June 15, 2013] 

2.	 Estimate potential load growth associated with the relocation of government offices, population 

growth and demand increases. Develop business-as-usual growth and high-load-growth scenarios. 

[Director of ASPA with input from Tim Jones and TEO, by July 1, 2013] 

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3.	 Conduct HOMER analysis including solar, wind, diesel and battery storage options. [NREL with input 

from ASPA, by July 1, 2013 (dependent upon ASPA providing requested data)] 

4.	 Assess the costs and benefits of off-grid distributed, on-grid distributed and centralized generation 

options. Determine which deployment approach will be pursued. [Director of ASPA with support 

from NREL or other consultants and input from ASREC members, by August 1, 2013] 

5.	 Identify funding needs. [Director of ASPA, by August 1, 2013] 

6.	 Identify sites and secure land leases, preferably on government lands if pursuing the centralized 

system or on-grid distributed system options. [Director of ASPA, by September 1, 2013] 

7.	 Create a plan for remote monitoring of equipment. [Director of ASPA, by September 1, 2013] 

8.	 Specify additional equipment needs (remote monitoring, batteries, inverters, fencing, mounting and 

civic works). [Director of ASPA, by September 1, 2013] 

9.	 Develop and begin conducting community outreach materials and programs to better understand 

social issues related to energy usage, renewable energy technologies and energy conservation. 

[ASCC, by October 1, 2013] 

10. Complete the environmental assessment, PRNS, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

process. [Director of ASPA in coordination with Ameko Pato (ASEPA) and David Herdrich (ASHPO), 

by December 31, 2013] 

11. Develop RFP and hire contractor to install Phase I. [Director of ASPA, by February 1, 2014] 

12. Initiate ASPA staff development and training program. [Director of ASPA, by February 1, 2014] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meetings. 

Estimated action funding: To be determined based on analysis conducted as part of the action. 

Action 2. Conduct initial engineering studies for a transition to 100% renewable 

energy on Manu’a 

Building on action 1 and work completed by Stanford University, evaluate the technical, economic and
 

social feasibility of a transition to 100% renewable energy on Manu’a.
 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of TEO, working closely with ASPA.
 

Specific actions and timeline:
 

1.	 Conduct a grid integration study for Manu’a for a larger project if pursuing grid-connected options. 

[Director of ASPA, by December 31, 2014] 

2.	 Conduct a hydro storage study. [Tim Jones, by June 2014] 

3.	 Develop system and design specifications for renewable, storage and control technologies. [Director 

of ASPA, by March 2015] 

4.	 Procure equipment (storage systems, wind turbines, and inverters, etc.). [Director of ASPA, by 

December 2015] 

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5. Install and commission equipment. [Director of ASPA, by October 2016]
 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meetings.
 

Estimated action funding: To be determined based on studies conducted in items 1, 2 and 3 above.
 

STRATEGY 3. ASSESS FEASIBILITY OF WIND AND SOLAR DEPLOYMENT FOR TUTUILA 

The incorporation of renewable energy technologies, initially at lower levels, but increasing in overall 

contribution over time, is a critical part of reducing the amount of fuel imported for power generation in 

American Samoa. There are many renewable energy opportunities for American Samoa, although more 

detailed project and resource assessments are needed to confirm the viability of specific options for 

development. Wind and solar energy have the potential to play a significant role in supplying electrical 

energy to American Samoa. Available wind and solar resources combined with a high level of existing 

infrastructure and high energy costs make wind and PV technologies attractive potential additions to the 

current generation portfolio. 

Goal: The goal of this strategy is to increase the amount of wind and solar energy deployed on Tutuila to 

a total of 5 MW. 

Overall responsibility: The director of ASPA shall be responsible for coordinating this effort. ASEPA and 

ASHPO shall provide technical and permitting support and coordination. 

Potential challenges: 

•	 Impact of geothermal study results on the viability of this strategy 

•	 Funding for studies and equipment 

•	 Dispersal and accessibility of the RFP identified in action 2 below to the appropriate potential 

bidders 

• Quality of bids received from the RFP identified under action 2 below. 

Overall deadline: October 1, 2016. 

Action 1. Conduct prefeasibility study for grid integration 

The purpose of this activity is to conduct a preliminary analysis of the impact of integrating solar, wind
 

and energy storage up to 80% penetration. The analysis will be conducted by Younicos (Germany).
 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: ASPA.
 

Specific actions and timeline:
 

1.	 Study results submitted to ASPA. [Younicos, by July 1, 2013] 

2.	 Results presented to ASREC. [Director of ASPA, by July 16, 2013] 

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Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC meeting scheduled 

for July 16, 2013. 

Estimated action funding: Study is already funded and under way. 

Action 2. Issue RFP for a grid integration study 

Integrating large-scale variable renewable generation presents several potential challenges for small 

island grids like the ASPA power system. With no electrical interconnection to neighboring systems, the 

island of Tutuila must manage its system frequency independently. To maintain adequate system 

performance during unexpected grid events, the spinning reserve requirement for the island of Tutuila is 

5 MW in order to provide sufficient power should the largest ASPA unit unexpectedly trip off. The loss of 

a single generator unit in the ASPA system can have a significant impact on system performance due to 

its small size. This characteristic makes it necessary to accurately capture and model the dynamic 

capabilities of each existing diesel generator and future wind and PV units, other unique characteristics 

of the ASPA system (load dynamics, under-frequency load shedding UFLS schemes, etc.), and 

performance of ASPA’s automatic generation control (AGC), which is responsible for scheduling and 

dispatching each unit to maintain system stability in different time scales (seconds-minutes-hours). 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of ASPA. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 The director of ASPA will develop the draft RFP and send to NREL for review. NREL will provide final 

comments on the RFP to ASPA. [Director of ASPA, by May 22, 2013] 

2.	 Issue RFP. [ASPA, by May 30, 2013] 

3.	 Vendors will submit proposals to ASPA. [ASPA procurement office, by July 1, 2013] 

4.	 NREL will assist with review of proposals and provide comments to ASPA. [Stephanie Savage and 

Vahan Gevorgian, by July 15, 2013] 

5.	 Select a vendor. [Director of ASPA, by August 1, 2013] 

6.	 Put a contract in place. [ASPA procurement office, by Sept 1, 2013] 

7.	 Complete the study. [Consultants, by March 2014] 

8.	 Present results to ASREC. [Director of ASPA, by March 2014] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Status updates provided by ASPA Director at each ASREC
 

monthly meeting.
 

Estimated action funding: Provided by OIA under previous award.
 

Action 3. Determine the viability of issuing RFPs for wind and solar IPPs 

Action 3 will be based on the results of actions 1 and 2 above and the results of the geothermal 

assessment. If a significant and viable geothermal resource is discovered, then wind and solar energy 

development will not be pursued. If no viable geothermal resource is discovered, action 3 will determine 

the appropriate scale of wind and solar projects. 

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Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of ASPA with input from ASREC committee 

members. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 Create wind and solar resource maps for Tutuila based on ASPA’s existing anemometer and 

pyranometer data. [Director of ASPA with potential support from NREL or a consultant, by January 

1, 2014] 

2.	 If the investigation of geothermal energy advances to the resource confirmation stage, this strategy 

will be delayed for approximately two years or until such time as resource confirmation for 

geothermal energy is completed. [ASREC committee decision, by October 31, 2013] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: November 2103 ASREC meeting. 

Estimated action funding: To be determined based on outcomes of studies. 

STRATEGY 4. ASSESS THE POTENTIAL FOR GEOTHERMAL POWER FOR TUTUILA 

Tutuila, the most populous island in American Samoa, has no active volcanism and no reported surface 

evidence of hydrothermal activity. However, evidence of very young (post-cultural) volcanic activity on 

Tutuila, together with evidence of recent active extensional rifting associated with the volcanism, 

suggests that Tutuila may have hidden hydrothermal resources. The tectonic setting and such young 

volcanics on Tutuila make it very likely that a subsurface magma chamber and elevated temperatures 

exist beneath Tutuila. A comprehensive exploration program is necessary to confirm the geothermal 

potential of Tutuila and to determine whether hidden hydrothermal systems capable of commercial 

development exist on Tutuila. Slim-hole temperature gradient drilling will be required to confirm the 

presence of heat at economically attractive depths. With positive confirmation of a sufficiently shallow 

thermal resource, an exploration program could be conducted using multiple geologic tools and data 

sets to locate potential hydrothermal systems. 

Goal: Determine the potential for geothermal energy to provide baseload power for Tutuila. 

Overall responsibility: Tim Bodell, ASEPA. 

Potential challenges: 

•	 The results of the study may be that either there is no geothermal resource or that it may be 

uneconomic to exploit the resource 

•	 Development costs require a large economy of scale to enable feasibility. Therefore 10-MW to 30-

MW of power generation are targeted to warrant development economics 

•	 Exploitation of the resource may not be possible due to directional drilling technologies 

•	 Exploitation of the resource may not be viable due to conservative, scientifically driven, riskmanaged investigation methods. Phase 2 (resource validation) may not yield satisfactory evidence 

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to justify the cost of the large exploration drilling rig that would be required for phase 3 (resource 

confirmation) 

•	 A hydrogeological condition common to other tropical volcanic environments called “rain shield 

effect” may mask the thermal gradient with an isothermal zone up to several thousand feet deep. In 

this case exploitation of the geothermal reservoir could still be economically viable but more costly 

to diagnose 

•	 The domination of high saline water in the deep subterrain could make resistivity geophysical 

exploration methods less reliable 

• Land ownership, land access and resource royalty issues. 

Overall deadline: October 1, 2016. 

Action 1. Perform preliminary evaluation of geothermal power potential on Tutuila 

The goal of this action is to conduct a preliminary evaluation that will assist ASREC in understanding the 

potential for geothermal power to be economically developed on Tutuila. Phase 1 includes extensive 

research, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) interpretation, development of a three-dimensional 

conceptual reservoir model, on-site reconnaissance and recommendations for more invasive site 

investigations. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Tim Bodell, ASEPA. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 Determine land use, permitting, land encroachment and steam royalties following preliminary 

design of proposed geothermal facilities. 

2.	 Develop a draft work plan/work scope and budget for hiring a consultant to conduct the Phase 1 

study. [Tim Bodell, completed] 

3.	 Arrange for funding of the Phase 1 study through ASPA. [Tim Bodell and director of ASPA, 

completed] 

4.	 Award contract to consultant and issue notice to proceed. [ASPA procurement, by June 7, 2013] 

5.	 Hold kick-off meeting between ASPA, ASEPA and consultant. [ASPA, by June 18, 2013] 

6.	 Consultant provides preliminary recommendation to ASPA. [Consultant, by August 1, 2013] 

7.	 Consultant submits draft report to ASPA. [Consultant, by September 15, 2013] 

8.	 Team provides peer review and comments to consultant. [NREL, ASPA, ASEPA and others, by 

September 30, 2013] 

9.	 Consultant submits final preliminary evaluation report to ASPA. The final report will summarize 

results of the geologic research, LiDAR interpretation, conceptual reservoir model, a step-by-step 

risk-managed exploration program, and conceptual costs and schedule of phases of development. 

[Consultant, by October 31, 2013] 

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Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meeting. 

[Tim Bodell] 

Estimated action funding: $80,000 

Action 2. Perform validation phase exploration of Tutuila geothermal potential 

Action 2 includes more comprehensive on-site exploration including soil gas sampling, more refined
 

geologic mapping, groundwater geochemistry and magma tellurics.
 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: ASPA with ASEPA technical assistance.
 

Specific actions and timeline:
 

1.	 Work with geothermal development experts to develop a scope of work for more detailed geology, 

geophysics and geochemistry investigations appropriate to Tutuila to validate the resource prior to 

deep drilling. [ASPA, by July 10, 2013] 

2.	 Identify potential funding sources and develop firm budget estimates, and begin the grant-writing 

process. [ASPA with ASEPA technical support, by July 2013] 

3.	 Write and issue an RFP, select a partner company, and manage the scientific validation phase that 

will include investigating surface geology, geophysics and geochemistry. [Director of ASPA with 

assistance from ASEPA and NREL, by October 2013] 

4.	 Prepare surface investigation validation phase report. [Scientific consulting experts, by February 

2014] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meeting. 

[Tim Bodell] 

Estimated action funding: $320,000 

Action 3. Perform resource confirmation phase 

Based on results of the validation phase, develop and execute a thermal gradient and/or slim-hole 

drilling exploration program. [By November 2014] 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meeting. 

[Tim Bodell] 

Estimated action funding: $1.5 million to $3 million. 

Action 4. Perform resource development phase 

Design, develop and install production wells, injection wells, steam galleries and/or hot water collection 

piping, conventional steam or binary power plant facilities, depending on the results of the resource 

verification and production analysis. 

Estimated action funding: $7 million to $18 million, potentially provided by an independent power 

producer. [By November 2016] 

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STRATEGY 5. ASSESS HYDROELECTRIC POWER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 

POTENTIAL 

Hydroelectric power is a potential source of renewable baseload power and has the potential to serve as 

a power storage system for solar and wind technologies. Wind and solar generation are economical and 

clean sources of energy for American Samoa. However, wind and solar energy production is intermittent 

and variable by nature. Energy produced by wind turbines varies as a function of wind speed and 

weather patterns. Energy from solar resources can change rapidly when clouds pass overhead. As a 

result, other dispatchable generation resources need to quickly vary their output to match power grid 

energy needs in response to wind and solar output variations. Hydro generation is inherently able to 

vary its output quickly in response to dispatch signals from the grid operator. Additionally, it has the 

potential to serve as backup power for critical infrastructure, such as water wells and water treatment 

plants, in the event of a natural disaster. 

Primary goal: The goal of this strategy is to develop available hydroelectric power resources as baseload 

power and/or as storage for solar and wind technologies, and potential backup power for critical 

infrastructure in the event of natural disasters. 

Secondary goal: Restore the historic Fagatogo Hydroelectric Complex to provide baseload power for the 

grid and/or storage for solar and/or wind technologies, and/or to provide backup power for the 

Fagatogo water filtration plant and ASPA wells, and create economic development by promoting the 

complex as an educational/heritage tourism site and trail. 

Overall responsibility: The director of ASPA shall be responsible for coordinating the effort for the larger 

goal of developing potential hydroelectric sites that are not considered to be historic properties. This 

action plan will focus on the secondary goal; additional action plans may be developed to address the 

general goal at a future time. 

The director of ASHPO shall be responsible for coordinating the effort for the secondary goal. ASPA shall 

provide technical support and coordination. 

Potential Challenges: 

• Land disputes 

• Cost may be deemed too high due to the results of the feasibility study. 

Overall deadline: October 1, 2015. 

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Action 1. Develop a proposal to conduct a feasibility assessment of the Fagatogo 

Hydroelectric Complex and, if feasible, an engineering and architectural design for 

restoration work for submission to the EIC grant program. 

The proposal will be for a team of engineers to assess the feasibility of restoring the Fagatogo 

Hydroelectric Complex to provide hydroelectric power. The scope of work will include the following: 

•	 Draining and dredging of the existing reservoirs to allow for a thorough engineering assessment 

•	 Restoration of the existing access trail to provide safe access to the pipelines and reservoir sites for 

the assessment, for draining and dredging work, for potential restoration work, for educational site 

visits and for economic development through heritage tourism 

•	 Assessment of the integrity of two existing reservoirs (if a potential third reservoir is discovered it 

will be added to the scope) 

•	 Assessment of the existing cast-iron pipeline 

•	 Assessment of the existing hydroelectric plant building 

•	 Assessment of using the power produced as baseload and backup power for the ASPA water 

filtration plant and/or ASPA wells 

•	 Assessment of the potential of using the upper reservoir(s) for power storage 

•	 A cost-benefit analysis of the total proposed hydroelectric plant restoration project effort based on 

potential capacity (kilowatts) that can be realized and energy (kilowatt-hours) over a complete 

seasonal cycle and potential fuel savings to ASPA. The analysis will also take into account potential 

economic benefits the site may have for heritage tourism and the potential savings from using the 

hydroelectric plant as baseload and backup power for the ASPA water filtration plant and/or ASPA 

wells 

•	 Engineering and architectural plans and cost estimates for restoration of the complex 

•	 A video documentary of the work done on this project for educational and heritage tourism 

promotion purposes. 

ASHPO will be the lead organization in preparing the grant proposal. ASPA will provide technical input as 

requested. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: Director of ASHPO. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 Identify any additional specific tasks that the proposal will cover. The director of ASHPO will develop 

the proposal and present it at the next ASREC meeting on June 17, 2013, for discussion and 

adoption. [Director of ASHPO, by June 18, 2013] 

2.	 Submit proposal. [Director of ASHPO, by July 10, 2013] 

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3.	 Assuming the proposal is funded, ASHPO with the assistance of ASPA will issue an RFP for the 

assessment. [ASPA procurement assisted by director of ASHPO, by September 2013] 

4.	 Select contractor. [ASPA procurement assisted by director of ASHPO and TEO, by October 2013] 

5. Complete assessment and final report. [Consultant, by May 2014]
 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meetings.
 

Estimated action funding: $400,000
 

Action 2. Develop a restoration proposal for the next round of funding based on the 

results of the engineering and architectural design work 

Action 2 builds on action 1 above and focuses on completing the restoration of the Fagatogo 

Hydroelectric Complex by acquiring a contractor through an RFP process. 

Responsible for coordinating implementation: The director of ASHPO shall be responsible for 

coordinating the writing of the proposal. ASPA shall provide technical support and coordination. 

Specific actions and timeline: 

1.	 The director of ASHPO will develop the proposal and present it to the ASREC meeting in June 2014 

for discussion and adoption. [Director of ASHPO, by June 2014] 

2.	 Submit proposal. [Director of ASHPO, by July 10, 2014] 

3.	 Assuming the proposal is funded, ASHPO with the assistance of ASPA will advertise an RFP for the 

restoration work. [ASPA procurement assisted by director of ASHPO, by September 2014] 

4.	 Select a contractor. [ASPA procurement assisted by director of ASHPO, by October 2014] 

5. Complete restoration work. [Selected contractor, October 2015]
 

Reporting on progress and measuring impact: Report progress at the general ASREC monthly meetings.
 

Estimated action funding: Funding for action 2 will be dependent upon the outcome of action 1.
 

14 | Page 
15 | Page

APPENDIX: ASREC ENERGY TASK FORCE MEMBERS AND OTHER CONTRIBUTORS TO 

THE ACTION PLAN

• Chair: Timothy Jones, representing the Territorial Energy Office 

• Vice Chair: Utu Abe Malae, representing the American Samoa Power Authority

• Tim Bodell, representing the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency

• David Herdrich, a renewable energy stakeholder 

• Mark Kneubuhl, a renewable energy stakeholder 

• Ameko Pato, representing the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency

• David Robinson, representing the private sector

• Lee Slater, representing the private sector

PHOTO CREDITS

Front cover (top to bottom): PIX 23033, PIX 26776, David J. Herdrich, PIX 19338. 

Back cover (left to right): PIX 17613, PIX 16694, PIX 10891, PIX 08022, Judy Powers. 
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY - LEADING CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION 


Prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a national laboratory of the U.S. Department 

of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, 

LLC. NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency 

research and development. 

15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401 • 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov 

NREL/MP-7A40-59190 • August 2013