Honiara, Solomon Islands, June 26, 2025 — The Tina River Hydropower Development Project last week welcomed senior representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank for a joint site visit to see firsthand the momentum building behind Solomon Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy project.
The high-level delegation, which included ADB Director Emma Veve and World Bank Country Director for the Pacific and Papua New Guinea, Stephen Ndegwa, toured key sites along the Tina River corridor and reviewed critical progress. This included the near-completion of over 95 percent of the project’s access roads, which are already improving connectivity for local communities and enabling major construction activities.
A milestone noted during the visit was the arrival earlier this year of the Tunnel Boring Machine, (TBM) one of the largest pieces of infrastructure equipment ever brought into the country. This boring machine will excavate the 3.2-kilometer waterway tunnel that will carry water from the dam to the powerhouse, forming the heart of the hydropower system.
“The steady advancement of this landmark project stands to transform how Solomon Islanders power their homes, schools, and businesses,” said Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific and Papua New Guinea. “The Tina River Hydropower project shows how strong partnerships can have lasting impacts. It is unlocking the country’s renewable potential while also supporting community benefit sharing programs for communities around the dam site.”
ADB Director Emma Veve added, “This is a standout example of how Solomon Islands is working with international partners to meet long-term energy and climate goals. It is encouraging to see the project moving forward hand-in-hand with local communities.”
The next major task is to prepare for construction of the main dam. This involves completing a 232-meter-long diversion culvert box by the end of June, which will safely redirect river water around the site during construction. Once complete, upstream and downstream cofferdams will be built, paving the way for main dam works to start early next year.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to assemble and test the TBM in August, with full-scale tunneling scheduled to commence in November. By the end of this year, all major groundwork for the dam will be in place. This will allow the main dam construction to begin in 2026 and mark a new phase of accelerated progress.
The Tina River Hydropower Project is expected to reduce Honiara’s dependence on imported diesel for electricity by more than 65 percent, delivering significant savings and environmental benefits. The project is already generating local jobs and business opportunities, with programs in place to ensure surrounding communities benefit directly from this historic investment.
Caption: Current Construction site of the Dam.
Caption: Members of the visiting team communicating with Stantec Workers.
Caption: Visting team briefed on the status of the construction.
Caption: Group photo in front of the Tunnel.
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