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Namdrik Atoll
One of the Marshall Islands' most remote atolls, Namdrik, is leading the way in alternative energy production, after a revamped solar power scheme was re-initiated. Namdrik Atoll, which is located more than 200 miles south of the Marshall's capital, Majuro, is now enjoying the benefits of solar power. Due to its remoteness, Namdrik Atoll, a seven mile long skinny island, was specifically selected for an alternative energy pilot-project. However, the initiative, which was supported by the French government and Australia's Overseas Aid agency AUSAID, ran into difficulties because of poor implementation. With fresh funding and a new strategy,the solar energy undertaking on Namdrik, as well as on other nearby atolls, now falls under the mandate of the the Marshalls Energy Company,which is located in in Majuro.
Pacific Beat

French Polynesia
French Polynesia benefits from important research in the solar energy sector. A house equipped with photovoltaic generators is very efficient. Each house produces its own electricity, therefore the cost of an expensive distribution system is avoided. At the end of 1988, 25 islands and atolls, representing 40% cf the inhabited islands, were using solar energy. Today, more than 16,900 photo-batteries have been installed representing 680,000 kWh, which is the highest equipment rate per inhabitant in the World, and more than 5,800 solar water heaters are in use (saving 1,500 tcnnes of fuel). The development program aims at equipping 300 houses per year with a solar energy system, developing collective applications and installing more solar water heaters.
Fench Polynesia

Tuvalu
The Colby report on Tuvalu's experience with solar energy "indicates that for electrification in areas with low load density and managed growth, solar energy can be a very reasonable solution."
Tuvalu
Solar World Congress

Conflict Centre
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Greg Urwin says the idea that the Pacific is a region characterised by failure and chronic instability is "a very considerable misinterpretation". He was giving the keynote address at the opening of the new Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland. The opening is the first event of a four-day conference on peace, justice and reconciliation in the Asia Pacific.
Pacific Beat

Independence Postponed
French Polynesia's new president, Oscar Temaru, says he won't be campaigning to gain independence from France in the near future. Mr Temaru says that he believes the economy must be much stronger before he would countenance a move towards independence. The president also said the territory needs the ongoing support of the French government if it is to claim greater autonomy.

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