November 4, 2024, Central Guadalcanal – Tina Hydropower Limited, Project Company for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, have hosted a ceremony at site to mark the much-anticipated commencement of the main works, including the dam and powerhouse. High level dignitaries from the Solomon Islands Government attended the November 4 celebrations, as well as Korean Government officials, senior representatives from K-water, community members and tribal leaders and representatives from project’s financiers and partners.
The event opened with a traditional dance performance by local children, women and men from the Tina catchment communities followed by a progress report on current construction activities delivered by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Dr Christopher Vehe. With the project now transitioning into main works construction, the ceremony served as a significant occasion for the Solomon Islands Government to publicly affirm its commitment to the successful realisation of this vital project.
“2024 has been a year we can be proud of with considerable progress made on the Project,” Dr Vehe commented. “We accomplished this by collaborating with all project stakeholders to address the challenges we encountered and remaining committed to our shared vision for Tina, which is essential for promoting national economic development through the provision of more affordable electricity for our people.”
The ceremony presented a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to come together, celebrate this significant milestone for the project, and reaffirm a collective commitment to the success of the project. Speeches delivered by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele, K-water CEO Mr Seogdae Yun, World Bank Country Director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Mr Stephen Ndegwa and Australian High Commissioner Mr Rod Hilton all acknowledged an unwavering support of the Solomon Islands Government and Tina River catchment communities.
K-water CEO Mr Seogdae Yun, alongside high-ranking officials from the Korean Government’s Ministry of Environment, conveyed a special message of strong solidarity for the project moving forward.
“K-water, with over 60 years of experience and expertise in water management in South Korea, will provide big support to successfully complete the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, ensuring that the Solomon Islands can enjoy a sufficient supply of electricity,” he said. “Furthermore, I am confident that the Solomon Islands will also achieve great economic development through this project.”
With road access to the dam site and powerhouse successfully achieved this year, construction of the river diversion culvert to temporarily redirect the Tina River during construction has officially begun. By early 2025, excavation work on the surge shaft and tunnel outlet will also commence.
For over a decade, several concessional financing parties have been working closely with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and the Solomon Islands Government to develop the project from project preparation to implementation including, 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.
Caption : Delegates in attendance at the ceremony for the main works of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
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About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)
The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island 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.
Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com
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. www.tina-hydro.com |