Who is financing a solar energy project in the Solomon Islands?

The Asian Development Bank, Saudi Fund for Development, and Solomon Power are all financing the project. A project is now underway on the Solomon Islands to help the country accelerate its renewable energy generation.

How will solar power benefit the Solomon Islands?

By increasing the generation capacity of renewable energy facilities, solar power will provide access to electricity for low-income households in peri-urban and rural areas of the Solomon Islands.

What is a solar hybrid project in Solomon Islands?

The project will finance new solar farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita province, along with a utility-scale grid-connected energy storage system in Honiara. Nearly all of Solomon Islands’ grid power is diesel generated. Solar hybrid project 2017 at Taro. Image credit Solomon Power

How is the Solomon Islands project funded?

The project is being funded by a $10 million concessional loan and a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), while the Saudi Fund for Development and state-owned Solomon Power are providing $10 million each. The government of the Solomon Islands is providing $7 million.

What type of power does Solomon Islands have?

With a generation capacity of 34 megawatt (MW), Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, trading as Solomon Power, is responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution throughout the country. All grid-connected power in the country is diesel-generated, and the share of renewable energy in the generation mix is about 3%.

How does Solomon power reduce fuel dependency?

To reduce fuel dependency, the government is prioritizing investments in renewable energy for generation. Several renewable energy projects are under development by Solomon Power, including new small solar-diesel hybrid grids and modernization of hydropower plants. Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program.