(contenu disponible en anglais uniquement)
A living laboratory: National University of Samoa launches biodigesters to drive Pacific Waste-to-Energy leadership
The National University of Samoa (NUS) has officially launched its first anaerobic biodigester systems, marking a major milestone in the nation’s commitment to renewable energy, research excellence, and sustainable waste management. The launch, held on the NUS campus, celebrated the University’s leadership in advancing Pacific-driven innovation in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies.
A milestone for sustainability and education
The programme opened with a prayer by Rev. Malotau Lafolafoga, followed by welcoming remarks from NUS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tuifuisaa Patila Amosa.
Professor Amosa described the installation as “an important milestone in our shared commitments to sustainability and innovation,” highlighting the creativity and technical capability of NUS students and staff in addressing real-world environmental challenges through applied learning and research.
Student-led innovation: Biodigesters installed on campus
Through the University’s WtE Scholarship Programme coordinated by the Faculty of Science, four postgraduate students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Renewable Energy) successfully installed two anaerobic biodigester systems on campus.
These systems convert food waste from the university canteen and restaurant into clean biogas for cooking, while producing organic fertiliser for campus agriculture and landscaping. This practical, student-led innovation demonstrates:
- significant reduction in organic waste sent to landfill
- increased use of renewable energy in campus operations
- hands-on, research-led learning opportunities for students
- a scalable model for Pacific institutions transitioning to sustainable energy pathways
The biodigesters now serve as a living laboratory, strengthening Samoa’s local technical capacity and supporting circular economy solutions across the region.
“Working on the biodigester has strengthened my skills in renewable energy engineering,” said one of the postgraduate students. “It’s exciting to see our work directly contribute to sustainability on campus.”
Keynote: Samoa leading through innovation
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), Ms Tofilau Shamila Leavai, emphasised that the installation of Samoa’s first university-based biodigester represents more than technological progress; it reflects Samoa’s growing leadership in sustainable development.
She noted that Samoa is “actively shaping solutions grounded in scientific inquiry, innovation, and environmental stewardship,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to climate resilience and green growth.
Professor Funemalafai Taema Imo-Seuoti, Project Coordinator, provided an overview of the conceptual foundations of the PAWES Project, underscoring its contribution to regional capacity building, research excellence, and the expansion of WtE solutions across the Pacific.
Celebrating partnership and Pacific leadership
The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon-cutting by Pro-Chancellor Professor Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse Va’ai, symbolising NUS’s commitment to sustainability-focused research and practical innovation.
NUS expressed its appreciation to the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), Professor Muagututi’a Ioana Chan Mow, and Mr Autagavaia Tupuivao Vaiaso for their leadership, guidance, and continued support in enabling the WtE Scholarship Programme and championing student-led solutions.
By integrating research, hands-on training, and renewable technology development, NUS is positioning itself as a key academic hub in advancing Waste-to-Energy solutions for Samoa and the wider Pacific.
NUS will continue monitoring system performance and exploring opportunities to scale biodigester technology across additional campus facilities and community sites, ensuring that this innovation remains a catalyst for long-term research and sustainable development in Samoa.
About the PAWES Project
The Pacific Adoption of Waste-to-Energy Solutions (PAWES) project is co-funded by the Pacific Community (SPC) and the ACP Innovation Fund, under the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Research and Innovation Programme. This programme is implemented by the OACPS with financial support from the European Union. The project is led by SPC in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
