News

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 29 May 2025 – A significant milestone has been achieved in the drive toward clean and sustainable water access for rural communities, with the successful completion of deep borehole drilling works for the villages of Managikiki and Horohotu 2, under Phase 2 of the Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP 2).The drilling works were carried out by local contractor Pacific Strata Drilling & Water Engineering Services, as part of a broader SBD 2.7 million investment. This investment aims to develop three modern water supply systems across Bahomea Ward, including riverside communities such as Namopila, Habusi, and others.At …

Read more

The Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Frederick Kologeto MP, was accorded a formal tour of the Tina Hydro Project site this morning. The visit allowed the Acting Prime Minister and accompanying ministers to witness firsthand the construction progress being made on the national energy project.Joining the Acting Prime Minister were Hon. Derrick Rawcliff Manuari, Minister of Mines and Rural Electrification; Hon. John Tuhaika Junior, Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs; and Hon. Cathy Nori, Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.The delegation visited both the Dam Site and the Power House, where they were briefed on current construction …

Read more

Manila, Philippines — The PS Dr. Chris Vehe of Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) took the global stage at the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) in Manila last week, delivering a powerful statement during the session Biodiversity & Nature in Energy Infrastructure. He emphasized a transformative shift in infrastructure planning—recognizing biodiversity not as a constraint, but as a core strategic asset.Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the PS highlighted the groundbreaking approach of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, positioning it as a model for nature-integrated infrastructure in the Pacific and beyond.“Traditionally, biodiversity considerations in energy projects …

Read more

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 …

Read more

In a significant show of solidarity and shared commitment, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and Korean Water Resources (K-Water) have reaffirmed their joint dedication to the successful completion of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP), a transformative initiative aimed at increasing renewable energy for the country’s national grid – Honiara.A high-level dialogue was recently held at K-Water’s headquarters, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, between a Solomon Islands Government delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, and Tina Hydropower Limited – the Special Project Company established by K-Water. The engagement marked a key …

Read more

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 29 April 2025 – Her Excellency Anne Grete Riise, the Ambassador-Designate of Norway to the Solomon Islands, visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project site as part of her official accreditation visit to the Pacific region. She was accompanied by Mr. Shameek Godara, Adviser at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Canberra. The visit was jointly facilitated by the Office and Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), with support from representatives of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).The high-level site visits highlighted Norway’s continued commitment to climate action and sustainable development in the Pacific. Norway is …

Read more

The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Hon. Willie Atu, accompanied by his Permanent Secretary and members of the Premier’s Office, conducted an official site visit to the Tina Hydro Development Project 9th April 2025 to observe the significant progress achieved. The delegation toured various sections of the project site from the Dam site to the Powerhouse (tunnel portal) site, receiving detailed briefings from project supervisors and technical experts from Tina Hydro Limited and Hyundai Engineering Company. During the visit, Premier Atu expressed his satisfaction with the development’s advancement, highlighting the importance of Tina Hydro as a milestone in the province’s journey …

Read more

A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for key equipment of the Tina Hydropower Project—the first large-scale hydropower initiative in the Solomon Islands—was successfully conducted from 7 to 9 April 2025 at manufacturing sites in India.The FAT covered three major components of the hydropower plant: the hydraulic turbines, Francis Turbine runners for Units 1, 2, and 3, and the spiral cases. The purpose of the inspection was to verify that the performance and quality of the equipment fully comply with technical specifications prior to shipment and on-site installation.Representatives from Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA), Hyundai Engineering Co., …

Read more

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 …

Read more

March 6, 2025—Honiara, Solomon Islands In a landmark collaboration, Gender Team of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and the Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association (SIWLA) conducted legal awareness in the communities of Belaha, Bahomea, and Malatoha. These communities impacted directly by the Tina River Hydropower Project are being empowered with crucial education programs to raise awareness of key legal protections, including the Family Protection Act, the Penal Code, and Human Trafficking laws.The legal awareness sessions held on 18th, 20th, and 27th February 2025 have been helpful in empowering local community members, particularly vulnerable populations, through sensitization on their rights …

Read more

Community Benefit Sharing Project, CBSP 2  15th February 2025 – A total of 76 participants from the communities of Antioch and Valesala in the Bahomea region have successfully completed a Graduation Training Program focused on Life Skills and Work Readiness. This initiative prepares them to contribute to the construction and improvement of the Antioch-Valesala Road access, under the Community Benefit Sharing Project 2 (CBSP 2).The training consisted of three separate sessions designed to equip participants with essential skills needed for the workforce, particularly in the construction sector. Through this program, community members gained practical knowledge and abilities that will enable …

Read more

“Guadalcanal’s rivers are a vital ecological and cultural resource. Protecting them today means securing sustainable development for the future.”Resources Department from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.Chaired by Dr David Annandale, the session underscored the importance of integrating sustainable river management practices to mitigate the ecological impacts of hydropower dams and other developments affecting river basins, such as mining and agriculture.Participants engaged in discussions on strategic environmental planning, focusing on long-term conservation, policy development, and scientific advancements in river ecosystem assessments. A key highlight was an in-depth review of …

Read more

Honiara, 28 January 2024 – The Tina River Hydropower Project has achieved a major milestone, with construction now 23% complete as of January 2025. This progress marks a significant step toward delivering affordable, clean, and renewable energy for the Solomon Islands. As one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, Tina River Hydropower remains on track for completion and commercial operation in early 2028.Once operational, the 15-megawatt hydropower facility will supply nearly 70% of Honiara’s electricity needs with renewable energy, significantly reducing reliance on costly diesel generation and lowering power prices.On 28 January 2025, the Tina Hydro Project Office’s Environmental and …

Read more

Honiara, Solomon Islands – January 30, 2025 – Biodiversity conservation efforts in the Upper Tina Catchment have received a significant boost following a high-level meeting between representatives of the Tina River Hydropower Project Office (TRHPO) and Guadalcanal Premier Hon. Willie Atu, alongside Provincial Secretary Mr. Maesac Suia. The discussions emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable development while ensuring the protection of critical biodiversity in the region through necessary steps for the declaration of protected areas. The meeting, held earlier last week, highlighted the importance of balancing environmental conservation with construction and economic progress as the Tina River Hydropower Project moves steadily …

Read more

The fourth quarterly meeting for the Gender Steering Committee (GSC) was conducted on December 6th and attended by the Environment and Social Safeguards team members from Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Engineering Co. (HEC), Tina River Hydropower Development Project Office (TRHDP), Community Benefits Sharing Project (CBSP-2) and Solomon Power. A brief presentation on the implementation and progress of the Gender Action Plan (GAP) was given by the Project Office Community Liaison Officer-Gender Focal Point (CLO-GFP) highlighting of several activities implemented in 2024. These included the introductory session and training on sexual, exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), social media marketing training, …

Read more

The quarterly meeting of the Influx Steering Committee was held on December 16th and attended by the Environment and Social Safeguards team members from Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Engineering Co. (HEC), Project Office, and Community Benefits Sharing Project-2 team.The Community Liaison Officer- Land from the Project Office provided a brief overview of the Influx Management Plan implementation and progress, emphasizing several influx-related challenges encountered in the past. Project Manager, Mr. Pradip highlighted key influx issues related to Tina Hydropower Project, including concerns regarding potential encroachment, and proposed viable solutions to ensure the sustainability of construction activities for the Tina …

Read more

Tina River Hydropower Development Project: Representatives from the World Bank (Renee Berthome, Task Team Leader; Khine Wynn, Environmental Specialist; Marista Kapini, Social Development Specialist; Sam Ziokera, IT Specialist) conducted a site visit to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project on 4 December, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental protocols.The visit, part of the Project Office’s weekly site inspections, brought together members of the Project Office team, including Mandus Boselalu (E&S Officer), Baltazare Rongo (CLO), Joel Zole (CLO), Sahibzada (new ESSM), and Daniel Tuhanuku (new Environmental and Social Coordinator). Representatives from Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), including …

Read more

December 17, 2024, Central Guadalcanal – Votes have been counted and winners announced in a historic day that saw over 2,000 eligible community members from the Malango and Bahomea regions turn up to cast ballots in the Community Benefits Sharing (CBS) Fund election held on Thursday, 12 December 2024. The day of polling at the World Outreach Christian Centre in Lungga, was held to form a Board of Trustees (BoT) and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Bahomea and Malango Community Benefit Sharing Trust Association, signifying a positive move towards an inclusive and fair benefit sharing program for Tina River Hydropower …

Read more

November 28, 2024, Central Guadalcanal – The Bahomea and Malango Community Benefit Sharing Trust Association has finalised registrations and nominations for the upcoming elections for the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) with 2500 members registered to vote. People from over 70 Tina catchment communities are set to elect 4 Board of Trustees and 14 Community Advisory Committee members via ballot on 12 December 2024. The Community Benefit Sharing (CBS) Fund will provide collective, non-cash benefits to core landowners and the wider project host communities to promote sustainable development, enhance socio-economic conditions, and encourage active community participation. The Fund, …

Read more