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.

What is a solar hybrid project in Solomon Islands?

The project will finance new solar farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita province, along with a utility-scale grid-connected energy storage system in Honiara. Nearly all of Solomon Islands’ grid power is diesel generated. Solar hybrid project 2017 at Taro. Image credit Solomon Power

What type of power does Solomon Islands have?

With a generation capacity of 34 megawatt (MW), Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, trading as Solomon Power, is responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution throughout the country. All grid-connected power in the country is diesel-generated, and the share of renewable energy in the generation mix is about 3%.

How to reduce energy consumption in Solomon Islands?

Air conditioning in government offices and business houses is a significant contributor to energy consumption in Solomon Islands. Proper maintenance and the introduction of more efficient air conditioners with controls that allow the system to shut down when not needed are ways to reduce energy consumption in this area.

What is the power generation capacity of Solomon Islands?

The power generating capacity of the Solomon Islands is currently 10.2 MW, which is equal to its peak load capacity. One mining company in the Solomon Islands generates its own electricity with a power capacity of 11 MW and a peak load of 8 – 9 MW.

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.