Households, businesses and government services in Honiara are a step closer to receiving cheaper and more reliable electricity, with construction commencing on the 22-kilometre transmission line that will connect the Tina River Hydropower Facility to the Honiara national electricity grid via Lungga Power Station.
The Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Power and Australia marked the milestone today at a signing ceremony for the transmission line works.
Contractor Reeves Envico and CE Group have mobilised to site and construction is now underway.
“The transmission line is a critical part of the broader Tina River Hydropower Development Project,” a statement issued by the Australian High Commission says.
“Once completed, it will carry up to 15 megawatts of renewable electricity from the hydropower facility to Honiara, helping to reduce reliance on diesel-generated power while improving energy security and reliability,” the statement added.
“The project is expected to be completed in early 2028.”
Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), is contributing approximately SBD$180 million to the transmission line project through a combination of concessional financing and grant funding.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derek Manuari said the project would deliver long-term benefits for Solomon Islanders.
“Today’s milestone brings Solomon Islands closer to a future powered by cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy,” Manure said.
“The Tina River Hydropower Development Project will strengthen our energy security, reduce dependence on imported diesel and help lower electricity costs for families, businesses and government services,” he added.
“We value the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Power, Australia and all project stakeholders working together to deliver this transformative investment.”
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the project demonstrated the strength of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership.
“The Tina River project is Australia’s largest climate-finance investment in the Pacific and reflects our long-term commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities,” Roach said.
“This transmission line will help provide cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity for Solomon Islanders, supporting economic growth and improving everyday lives,” he added.
Solomon Power Board Chair David Quan said the transmission line would play a vital role in connecting renewable energy to consumers.
“The transmission line is the link between the renewable energy generated at Tina River and the people and businesses who will use it every day,” Quan said.
“Once complete, it will improve the reliability of electricity supply and support a more sustainable electricity system for Solomon Islands,” he added.
“We are pleased that construction is now underway and look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver this important infrastructure.”.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is the largest renewable energy initiative in Solomon Islands.
Beyond providing cleaner energy, it is creating jobs, strengthening local skills and supporting economic growth.
More than 190 Solomon Islanders are currently employed across the broader project, with additional employment opportunities expected as construction progresses.
The project also includes initiatives that support education, training and safe employment opportunities for women and girls.
