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Progress on Huro Hybrid Solar Farm
Recently, officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Solomon Islands Government, and Solomon Power visited Makira Ulawa Province. They reviewed the progress at the Huro Hybrid Solar Farm near Kirakira and were pleased with the results. This mission aimed to verify Solomon Power’s work, which is managing the project. Additionally, the team met with the Makira Ulawa provincial government. They wanted to confirm SIG and ADB’s commitment to commissioning the plant soon and to discuss local energy needs. Notably, Kirakira is one of six sites covered by this ADB-funded project.
Verification and Local Engagement
The Huro hybrid solar farm is now nearly 90 percent complete. Currently, only testing and commissioning remain before it can start delivering renewable energy to the Solomon Power grid. Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, highlighted that the Kirakira Solar project will enhance power supply to Kirakira and nearby areas with clean energy. He emphasized that this project will cut reliance on diesel fuel and lower costs for Solomon Power. Furthermore, it supports the Government’s renewable energy roadmap, which promotes investment in clean energy sources.
Funding and Support
The project began after the 2017 signing of Grant and Project Agreements between ADB, SIG, and Solomon Power. Several sources have funded it. For instance, the ADB Strategic Climate Finance Grant provided USD 6.20 million for civil works. Meanwhile, the ADB Special Funds Resources Grant contributed USD 2.24 million for civil works and consulting services. Additionally, SIG and Solomon Power added USD 6.76 million for civil works, land acquisition, site preparation, and related expenses.
Elmar Elbling, Unit Head of ADB’s Solomon Islands Pacific Country Office, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress. He stated, “ADB is pleased to support the Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Power. This project aims to improve power availability for rural communities and enhance commercial activities for local businesses.” Elbling also added, “We are excited that this project is nearing completion. We look forward to its full commissioning. It will provide a stable and cheaper power supply to Kirakira and surrounding areas.”
Project Objectives
The project’s goal is to boost renewable energy generation at Solomon Power’s outstations in Kirakira, Lata, Malu’u, Munda, and Tulagi. It involves installing solar hybrid plants with a total capacity of 2MW and integrating battery storage. Consequently, this will allow for a higher use of intermittent solar power and help Solomon Power provide more reliable and cleaner electricity. The project aims to replace 66 to 87 percent of diesel generation at each site. Additionally, it will generate 3.1 GWh of energy annually, reduce diesel imports by 0.9 million liters, and cut CO2 emissions by 804 tons per year. It also features advanced technology for remote monitoring and control, as well as capacity building for system operation and maintenance.
