In a significant show of solidarity and shared commitment, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and Korean Water Resources (K-Water) have reaffirmed their joint dedication to the successful completion of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP), a transformative initiative aimed at increasing renewable energy for the country’s national grid in Honiara.
A high-level dialogue was recently held at K-Water’s headquarters, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, between a Solomon Islands Government delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Dr Chris Vehe and Tina Hydropower Limited – the Special Project Company established by K-Water.
The engagement marked a key milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening the Public-Private Partnership underpinning this flagship national infrastructure project.
Funded by multiple international financing partners and structured under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, TRHDP is one of a cornerstone of the Solomon Islands’ energy strategy. The project is expected to replace a substantial portion of Honiara’s diesel-generated electricity with clean, renewable hydropower, supporting energy security, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic resilience.
Despite global and local disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to significant delays and the need for additional financing, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the project’s Commercial Operation Date by 11 February 2028.
In March and again in October 2024, following extensive consultations with CFPs, the Solomon Islands Government formally approached development partners to request additional financial support to ensure the project stays on track.
During the recent visit to the Republic of Korea, discussions between SIG and K-Water highlighted the strength of the partnership, the shared challenges ahead, and the importance of continued collaboration and transparency.
Both parties expressed their unwavering commitment to deliver a successful outcome for the people of Solomon Islands.
“This project is not only about energy, it is about transforming our economy, empowering our people, and laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future, and our dialogue with K-Water reinforces the mutual trust and understanding that are crucial to this project’s success,” said Permanent Secretary Dr. Vehe.
K-Water Vice President & Chief Global Officer, Dr Seong – Yong Han, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming their obligation and confidence in delivering the hydropower infrastructure within the agreed timeline and budget, with full alignment with SIG and project stakeholders.
As a leading state-owned enterprise in Korea, K-Water has successfully implemented numerous large-scale water and hydro power projects worldwide, including the world’s largest tidal power plant at Sihwa Lake.
As construction progresses, the Tina River Hydropower Development Project remains a national priority, symbolizing what can be achieved when international partnerships are rooted in shared values, commitment, and purpose.
The Solomon Islands Government will continue working closely with its development partners, Solomon Power (the Off-taker), and K-Water to ensure TRHDP’s completion brings lasting benefits to the Solomon Islands’ economy at large.
– Govt Com Unit
