Munda’s 1,000-kilowatt solar power plant is commissioned, boosting renewable energy and reducing reliance on imported diesel.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Power, celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, 22 October, with the official commissioning of the Munda Solar Power Plant.
The facility is the largest installation under the USD15.2 million Solar Power Development Project, featuring approximately 1,000 kilowatts of solar generation capacity and a 3,978-kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system.
Delivered under ADB’s regional energy initiatives, the project was co-financed through USD8.44 million in grants—comprising USD2.24 million from ADB’s Asian Development Fund and USD6.2 million from the Strategic Climate Funds.
“This occasion marks an important step forward in Solomon Islands’ transition to a cleaner, reliable, and more sustainable energy future,” ADB Principal Energy Specialist Roka Sanda said.
Minister of the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification Derrick Manu’ari, in the keynote address, conveyed sincere appreciation from the government to ADB for its generous financial support and continued commitment to the development of the country’s national energy sector.
“ADB has remained an important development partner in supporting the government’s aspirations for improved energy access, greater energy security, renewable energy investment, and stronger institutional capacity.”
The Munda facility is the second solar plant to be commissioned under the project following the launch of the Tulagi Solar Power Plant in Central Province last month. Once fully operational across all three provincial centers—Kirakira, Lata, and Malu’u—the project will significantly cut reliance on costly imported diesel and bolster energy security across the country.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including the constituency’s parliament member, George Temahua; Deputy Premier of Western Province, Brian Lotikena; the Solomon Power Board of Directors and executive; and community and church leaders, landowners, project partners and business houses.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.
SOURCE// ADB PRESS RELEASE
