GOVERNMENT under its national energy strategy is working to replace imported fuel with hydro-power, use of biofuel and solar lighting system.
This was revealed in the Solomon Islands 2009 Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTIS) reported released last week.
The report said government will replace use of diesel for electricity generation in Honiara and the provincial centres with hydro-power, such as the proposed Tina hydro-power in Central Guadalcanal.
That project will generate 33 megawatts to power Honiara and the surrounding areas including Gold Ridge and Guadalcanal Plain Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL).
"This will lessen the demand on SIEA in the long-run," the report said.
The project is part of the World Bank's Sustainable Energy Financing Program, which will start once land issues are sorted.
At the provincial centres government will work to implement mini-hydro schemes such as in Buala which has already been done, Kirakira and Rualae hydropower for Auki township.
Funding had been allocated by the government for acquisition of land and awareness building, the report said.
Government will also encourage import substitution by locally produced biofuel.
Government, through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, is in discussion with a Brisbane company, with operations in Vanuatu and Kiribati, to provide technical assistance to use coconut oil to replace diesel.
"The project will boost copra production and encourage oil milling," the report said.
Lata in the Temotu Province is currently under a pilot project to have its power generation supply run by biofuel using coconut.
In the rural areas, government is also working hard now to promote solar power lighting systems.
The cost of fuel has risen since all rural dwellers rely on Kerosene for lighting and cooking.
Government has allocated $3 million to tender for provision of solar lighting systems.
"The purpose of rural electrification is to encourage economic growth centres and provide schools and health services," the report said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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