THE Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) in Central Guadalcanal is set to meet up to 70 percent of Honiara’s electricity demand by 2028.
This was highlighted by the Project Manager Pradip Verma, pictured, in his presentation at the National Energy Summit held in Honiara recently.
The theme of the summit was “Transforming through Innovative Transitioning of Sustainable Energy Pathways in Solomon Islands.”
Verma, who is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solomon Power, said Solomon Islands remains heavily dependent on diesel for electricity and has one of the highest retail electricity tariffs globally.
“Consequently, we have one of the highest retail electricity tariffs globally, leaving us vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diesel also contributes to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.
At present, Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA), operating as Solomon Power, uses 24 million litters of diesel annually to generate electricity.
According to Verma, once operational, TRHDP will reduce Solomon Power’s diesel consumption by 18 million Liters each year, which will save approximately SBD 140 million annually.
Furthermore, TRHDP is expected to cut 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year, contributing to Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions.
Director of the Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM), Thaddeus Siota highlighted the country’s climate goals at the summit.
Solomon Islands aims for a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2025 and 23 percent by 2030 under its unconditional mitigation target.
For conditional mitigation, which involves support from external donors and financing, the targets are 27 percent reduction by 2025 and 45 percent by 2030.
The ultimate goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Mr Verma emphasized the long-term benefits of TRHDP, which include an 80 to 100 years lifespan for the dam, tunnels, roads, and other infrastructure.
By 2028, TRHDP is expected to fulfill 70 percent of Honiara’s electricity needs, while reducing the electricity tariff from the current USD 20.91 cents per kWh (from diesel generation) to less than 50 cents per kWh.
The TRHDP is supported by a broad consortium of global partners, including donors, construction partners, lenders, and technical advisors, all working toward the shared goal of providing the Solomon Islands with cleaner, more affordable electricity.
The total project cost is estimated at USD 240.48 million and includes four key components: the hydropower facility, access roads, transmission lines and technical assistance.
The project’s financiers are:
- Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) – USD 15 million;
- The World Bank – USD 34 million;
- Government of Australia – USD 13 million;
- Green Climate Fund (GCF) – USD 86 million;
- Korea Exim Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) – USD 32 million; and
- Asian Development Bank (ADB) – USD 30 million.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
