Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), is at the forefront of driving renewable energy solutions in the Pacific, including Solomon Islands.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project has entered the next phase with construction commencing on the main dam and powerhouse.
The project is delivered by co-financiers, including the Australian Government, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the World Bank.
The AIFFP’s support for the broader Tina River Hydropower Project is via the Connecting Solomon Islands’ capital to electricity via transmission line project, which includes an investment of AUD32.4 million to support the construction of a 22-kilometre transmission line connecting the Tina River hydropower site to Honiara’s main electricity grid.
The transmission line is a necessary component of the broader project as it will enable the electricity generated to be distributed to the main grid and on to consumers. The system will provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for residential, government and commercial customers, reducing the country’s exposure to volatile global fuel prices and dependence on diesel-generated electricity.
Earlier this month, to celebrate the start of construction of the hydropower facility, Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Mr Jeremiah Manele attended an official ceremony alongside the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Rod Hilton, Solomon Islands Government ministers and officials, senior representatives from the multilateral development banks, K-Water, Tina Hydro Limited and Hyundai Engineering Corporation.
The Australian High Commissioner, Mr Hilton highlighted the importance of the broader project for both Australia and Solomon Islands and the enduring partnership between both countries.
“Since the beginning, Australia has been a committed partner of this critically important project for the future of Solomon Islands.
“It will bring affordable and reliable electricity to the capital and enable more people to access power, more businesses to grow, more jobs and economic growth,” High Commissioner Hilton added.
The broader project is a critical piece of infrastructure that will reduce Honiara’s reliance on diesel generation and enable Solomon Islands to meet the 100 per cent commitment for emissions reduction under the Paris Agreement.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure will deliver affordable and reliable electricity to the Solomon Islands’ capital, including residential, government and commercial customers, reducing reliance on costly diesel generators and exposure to volatile global fuel prices.
Learn more about the project here.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project has entered the next phase with construction commencing on the main dam and powerhouse.
Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Mr Jeremiah Manele attended the official ceremony alongside the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Rod Hilton.
Through the AIFFP, Australia supports the Solomon Islands with cleaner, cheaper electricity.