Solomon Islands gets $35m boost for renewable energy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Solomon Islands have launched a transformative renewable energy project aimed at reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable power generation.

Supported by a $10 million concessional loan and a $5 million grant from ADB, along with $10 million each from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Solomon Power, the initiative marks the first joint project financing between ADB and SFD.

The project will finance new solar farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita, install the largest grid-connected battery storage system in the Pacific, and pilot rooftop solar systems at regional schools. It will also support power sector reforms and foster private sector involvement.

Currently, only 2 per cent of Solomon Islands’ grid electricity comes from renewable sources. The project aims to change this, contributing to gender equality, climate resilience, and sustainable governance.

Attribution: The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Subediting: M. S. Salama