K-water (Korea Water Resources Corporation), in partnership with Hyundai Engineering, has established Tina Hydropower Limited (THL) to construct the Tina River Hydropower Dam in the Solomon Islands, a landmark project aimed at providing a sustainable and stable energy source for the nation. The Tina River Hydropower Project, with an installed capacity of 15 MW and an expected annual generation of 78.84 GWh, will play a critical role in reducing reliance on diesel power and lowering electricity costs across the Solomon Islands. The project is being developed with the support of the World Bank (WB), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and the Australian Government, and is scheduled to commence commercial operations in February 2028.
As part of their ongoing commitment to community development, K-water and THL jointly hosted a donation event on 12 May 2025 near the Tina Dam powerhouse site. During the event, approximately sixteen (16) boxes of clothing and footwear brought from Korea were distributed to residents of four villages namely, Namopila, Habusi, Pachuki and Komureo located upstream of the Tina River. This effort was made to extend tangible support to the communities living near the project. The event was attended by key representatives, including Mr. Moon Jun-ho, Senior Vice President of the K-water Labor Union, Mr. Han-Yong Cho, CEO of THL, Mr. Tae-Jae Lee, Site Manager of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (HEC), and Mr. Pradip, Project Manager. Their presence underscored the importance that both organizations place on fostering strong, positive relationships with local communities.
The donated items, recognized for their high quality, were warmly received by the villagers. Many residents expressed their gratitude, noting that the clothing and shoes would enhance their daily lives by providing much-needed protection and comfort. Particularly in rural areas where access to such goods is limited, the donations are expected to have a meaningful and lasting impact.
Mr. Moon Jun-ho, Senior Vice President of the K-water Labor Union, stated at the event, "I sincerely hope that this donation will provide practical support to the local residents. Moving forward, we will continue to seek ways to pursue mutual growth through various forms of cooperation, including job creation, in connection with the Tina Project."
A representative of the village residents also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the ongoing social contribution activities carried out by K-water and THL. They shared hopes that the successful completion of the Tina Dam would help resolve the ongoing power shortages in the Solomon Islands, thereby improving the quality of life for many.
Beyond this recent donation event, K-water and THL have consistently undertaken a variety of social contribution initiatives to support the local communities. In 2019, THL previously donated essential school supplies and medical kits to nearby schools, helping to improve educational and health conditions for children. In 2024, THL installed a borehole with two water tanks, a solar water pump system and four standpipes at the Antioch Community. This mini water project serves as timely support to the community since there is also a primary school located in the village. This is to ensure that the students and community people have access to clean and safe drinking water, therefore, addressing one of the most critical needs in the region.
Through these activities, K-water and HEC demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamental needs of the communities surrounding the project site. Their commitment goes beyond infrastructure development, embracing an integrated approach to community engagement by promoting education, health, and basic living conditions.
On behalf of the Government of the Solomon Islands and the Hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Vehe expressed his sincere appreciation for the continuous community engagement and tangible assistance provided by K-water, Hyundai Engineering, and Tina Hydropower Limited. The PS on behalf of the Minister acknowledged the significance of these social initiatives, noting that they reflect a genuine commitment to local empowerment and inclusive development. "We are proud to witness such cooperation that aligns with our national development goals," the PS stated. "This partnership not only brings clean and affordable energy through the Tina River Hydropower Project but also demonstrates care for the well-being of our rural communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to K-water and its partners for supporting our vision of a more sustainable and resilient Solomon Islands."
The Tina River Hydropower Project is not just an energy infrastructure project; it is also a catalyst for broader social development. K-water and HEC’s integrated approach—combining large-scale infrastructure delivery with impactful local engagement—sets a strong example of how major international projects can contribute to sustainable growth and community empowerment.
This initiative reaffirms THL’s enduring dedication to the people of the Solomon Islands, ensuring that the benefits of the Tina River Hydropower Project extend beyond power generation to fostering a brighter future for the local communities. With the ongoing unwavering support K-water is putting on the overall project, the Solomon Islands Government is so pleased and so expresses thanks to the President and the whole organization in being part of the effort towards elevating Solomon Islands Government's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) towards reduction of greenhouse gases when the Tina Hydro Project kicks in.
Caption: Vice President of K-water giving his speech to the guests and community members.
Caption: Group photo with all attendees.
Caption: Handing over of donated items to community reps from upstream villages by Vice president of K-water. – Newspaper Cover Photo
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 Gadepeta
Communications 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