Tulagi Solar Power Plant is commissioned, expanding renewable energy and reducing diesel reliance in Central Islands Province.
The Tulagi Solar Power Plant has been commissioned in Central Islands Province as part of a multi-provincial project aimed at increasing renewable energy use and reducing reliance on diesel-generated electricity in Solomon Islands.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Christopher Hunupauro. Also attending were Asian Development Bank (ADB) Head of Country Operations at the Solomon Islands Resident Mission Michael White, Solomon Power Board Chairman David Quan, Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari, and members of the Tulagi community.
Premier Sagupari said the project is expected to improve the reliability and affordability of electricity in Tulagi, with potential benefits for tourism businesses, public services and small businesses.
โThis project puts Central Province on the renewable energy map of Solomon Islands. It will prove we are ready for bigger investment in solar and it will attract more partners in investment, not only here in Tulagi and Central Province,โ Sagupari said.
He said more reliable electricity could help reduce operating costs for tourism businesses and support services including schools and clinics. He also identified potential opportunities for future renewable energy investment in the Russell Islands and other parts of the province.
According to the ADB, the Tulagi facility has approximately 250 kilowatts of solar generation capacity connected to a 1,140 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system. The system is integrated with the existing electricity network and is intended to provide renewable power to households, businesses, schools and public services.
Michael White said the project is designed to reduce dependence on diesel generation while increasing the use of renewable energy.
Deputy Secretary Hunupauro said the Governmentโs energy programmes are focused on expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity across Solomon Islands.
The Tulagi installation is the first completed facility under the Solar Power Development Project, which is being implemented across five provincial centres: Kirakira, Lata, Maluโu, Munda and Tulagi.
The project is supported by a US$2.24 million grant from the ADBโs Asian Development Fund, a US$6.2 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund, and US$6.76 million from the Solomon Islands Government.
The Tulagi site and its connection to the electricity grid were built to modular specifications to allow for future expansion as electricity demand increases.
The project is delivering renewable energy solutions across five provincial centers of Kirakira, Lata, Maluโu, Munda, and Tulagi in the Solomon Islands and was established to reduce dependence on diesel generation and increase the use of renewable energy throughout the country.
The project forms part of broader efforts by the Government and development partners to expand renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on diesel power in Solomon Islands.
By: Steven Kamoa
