A major milestone has been achieved. On 26 October we commenced placement of roller compacted concrete (RCC) for the main dam. The schedule is to achieve an elevation of 135metres (the dam foundation is at 115m) by end February 2027. This will include 67 layers of RCC, each layer being 0.3metres (30 centimetres). We would like to congratulate the Developer, the EPC Contractor and the sub-contractors for the achievement of this milestone.
The first placement moves the main dam into a new stage of construction, with the structure to rise progressively through successive layers of RCC. The planned 67 layers provide a clear picture of the work ahead between the foundation and the targeted February 2027 elevation. Each stage of placement will contribute to the gradual formation of the main dam.
This is the start of the construction of the main dam in which work is now underway and expected to reach the same elevation of the top of the upstream RCC Coffer Dam by end February 2027.. Thereafter, after resolution of the excavation and stability issues on the right abutment of the main dam, the construction on the main dam will continue. The commencement of construction of the main dam signifies a huge step as we progress to completing the 15MW hydropower project by 2028.
This marks an important day for Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
The February 2027 elevation target is an intermediate construction milestone on the path towards the project’s stated completion goal in 2028. The commencement of RCC placement therefore marks both an achievement to recognise and the beginning of a sustained period of work on the main dam. It also highlights the importance of continued coordination between the Developer, the EPC Contractor, the sub-contractors and other stakeholders as construction advances.
In addition to this, steady progress is being made at the tunnel portal. ROTIMA’s cutter head has been assembled, and she is now parked inside the portal about 1.4 metres from the end of the 33.5 metre long initially excavated tunnel section. The other components of ROTIMA are being assembled. The segments for the tunnel are being tested in the factory. We anticipate receiving the segments in Honiara by end November and ROTIMA to start tunnel boring on 9 December 2026.
The tunnel preparations provide a second focus for the months ahead. Factory testing of the tunnel segments and their anticipated arrival in Honiara are key steps ahead of the planned start of boring. With ROTIMA’s cutter head assembled and the machine positioned inside the portal, attention now turns to these remaining preparations for the scheduled 9 December 2026 start.
Together, the start of RCC placement and the preparations for tunnel boring give the project two significant milestones to build on. As work progresses, the February elevation target and the planned December tunnel-boring start will provide clear reference points for future construction updates on the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
For more information, contact:Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com Tina Hydropower development project +677 25133 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
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