The Solomon Islands Renewable Energy Development Project plans to finance new solar farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces, along with a utility-scale grid-connected energy storage system in Honiara, the country's capital.
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.
Component 3: US$ 2.5 million is allocated to add grid-connected solar power to contribute to the overall share of renewable energy in Solomon Islands' energy mix.
Can a solar PV system boost economic growth in the Solomon Islands?
A pilot business model for rooftop solar PV systems will also be trialled at two schools in the country. Shane Rosenthal, ADB's Pacific liaison and coordination office regional director, believes that upscaling renewable energy generation in the Solomon Islands could help unlock economic growth and prosperity.
What percentage of the Solomon Islands' electricity mix is renewable?
Renewable energy only makes up 2% of the Solomon Islands' electricity mix. Image: Namkoo Solar. A group of investment firms led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has partnered with the government of the Solomon Islands to finance new solar PV power plants, increase rooftop solar PV installations and support the islands' power sector reforms.
“Solomon Islands currently has one of the lowest levels of access to electricity in the region, with over 85% of the population of Solomon Islands still without access to electricity and for this project alone, we received over 6,000 applications to obtain only 2,000 solar home systems,” said Mr Aimaea.
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.