Honiara, March 19, 2025 – A high-level delegation from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), accompanied by representatives from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (Korea Ex-Im Bank), visited the Tina River Hydropower construction site to assess the project’s progress. This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance renewable energy infrastructure in the Solomon Islands.
As the country’s first large-scale renewable energy initiative, the Tina River Hydropower Project is poised to significantly reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, lower electricity costs, and provide a stable and sustainable power supply for the people of the Solomon Islands.
The delegation was joined by representatives from Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Solomon Power, and the project management team from the Tina River Hydropower Development Project Office, along with technical advisors. The site tour was conducted by the project manager and staff from Hyundai Engineering Company, who provided firsthand insights into construction progress, site safety measures, and ongoing engineering work essential for the successful delivery of the project.
Mr. Jonathan Kenna (Head of AIFFP), speaking on the importance of the project, expressed his admiration for the significant progress made, noting the completion of access roads, the ongoing preparation of the dam structure, and the imminent commencement of tunnel boring.
The AIFFP will finance a 22-kilometre transmission line connecting the hydropower site to Honiara’s electricity grid, a project that will be executed by Solomon Power.
Mr. Pradip Verma, Project Manager of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project Office, expressed gratitude for the continued support of financing partners: “This project would not be possible without the dedication and investment of our donor partners. Their visit today underscores their ongoing commitment to developing a cleaner and more resilient energy sector in the Solomon Islands.”
Once completed, the Tina River Hydropower Project will provide a renewable energy source capable of meeting a significant portion of the nation’s electricity needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and positioning the Solomon Islands as a leader in sustainable energy development in the Pacific region.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, the Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Figure 1: The head of AIFFP Mr. Jonathan Kenna and colleagues being welcome to HEC office campsite.
Figure 2: THL CEO leading the visiting team to the induction presentation at HEC Campsite.
Figure 3: The team being guided by HEC supervisors at the Damsite
Figure 4: The team standing at the newly constructed bridge.
Figure 5: Aerial view of the newly constructed bridge connecting the opposite side of the Tina riverbank for clearance & construction to begin.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is led by the Solomon Islands Government, with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Media Inquiries:
Jeanine GadepetaCommunications Officer, Tina Hydropower Development Project📞 +677 25133📧 jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com | Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
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A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. |