Solomon Islands Advocates Nature as Strategic Infrastructure at Asia Clean Energy Forum.

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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 …

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K-water and THL Hold Donation Event for Downstream Communities Near Tina River.

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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 …

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Strengthening Partnership for Progress: Solomon Islands and K-Water Reaffirm Commitment to Tina River Hydropower Development Project.

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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 …

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Norwegian Ambassador-Designate Visits Tina River Hydropower Project to Reaffirm Climate Partnership in Solomon Islands.

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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 …

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Premier of Guadalcanal Mr. Willie Atu Leads Official Visit to Tina River Hydro Development Site.

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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 …

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Tina Hydropower Plant Equipment FAT in India – First Technical Participation by a Female Engineer from Solomon Islands.

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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., …

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Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Water Resource and Biodiversity Management.

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Honiara, 17 April 2025 – The Tina River Hydropower Development Project Office (TRHDP PO) today held a meeting with the Water Resources Division of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) on 16 April, aimed at deepening collaboration on environmental safeguards and advancing biodiversity and water resource management in the Tina River.The meeting was attended by Director Richard Molea and Deputy Director Robert Iromalefo of the Water Division, alongside Project Office representatives Mr. John Korinihona (Deputy Project Manager), Mr. Sahibzada Tanzeel (Environmental and Social Safeguards Manager), and Mr. Daniel Tuhanuku (E&S Impact Coordinator).Director Molea provided an overview of …

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Influx Working Committee Advances Tina River Hydropower Development Project.

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The Influx Working Committee held its first quarterly meeting of 2025 to discuss the progress and challenges of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP). Key stakeholders from the Project Office (PO), Community Benefit Sharing Project II (CBSP II), Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), and Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC) attended the meeting.The committee reviewed recent activities and identified new encroachments within the 50-metre corridor. Both HEC and PO conducted independent site surveys and will consolidate their reports to enhance monitoring efforts. PO is tasked with formally inviting stakeholders to join the influx working group. HEC proposed two options to help field …

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From Garden to Kitchen “Women Supplying HEC with Fresh vegetables”

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As part of the Gender Action Plan (GAP) at the Tina River Hydropower Project Office, in collaboration with Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC), has made arrangements with the women’s group from Bahomea to supply fresh vegetables and fruits to HEC’s kitchen at the Campsite. We will continue this excellent initiative with Bahomea women’s groups and will include Malatoha and Belaha Women’s group in the future.This initiative is not just about providing fresh produce – it’s about empowering women and recognizing the important role they play in our communities and the economy. By involving women in this process, we’re boosting local businesses …

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Partners Visit Tina River Hydropower Site as the Project Advances.

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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 …

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Strengthening Legal Awareness: Tina River Hydropower Teams Up with SIWLA to Empower Communities.

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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 …

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Bridging Communities: A Training Program Prepares Locals for Vital Road Construction.

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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 …

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Capacity Development on Sustainable Rivers Management Honiara, Solomon Islands – February 6, 2025 

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“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 …

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Tina River Hydropower Project Advances Biodiversity Conservation in Upper Tina Catchment.

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Honiara, Solomon Islands – February 21, 2025 – The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) is making developments in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Upper Tina Catchment, a vital natural area in the Solomon Islands. On February 19, 2025, key stakeholders gathered at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) to discuss how to ensure the long-term health of this ecosystem as the project nears its completion in 2028.The meeting brought together Pradip Verma (Project Manager), Director Josef Hurutarau (MECDM), Sahibzada Ahmed (Environment and Social Safeguards Manager) and Mandus Boselalu (Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer) …

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Tina River Hydropower Project Reaches 23% Completion, Advancing Toward 2028 Commissioning.

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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 …

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Tina River Hydropower Project Strengthens Conservation Efforts with Government Collaboration on Upper Tina Catchment.

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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 …

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Gender: Key Supporters for Temporary Water Supply Scheme in Bahomea Ward

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The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) team began 2025 with a significant milestone—a visit to Habusi Village in the Bahomea Region on January 9th. This visit marked a key phase of the Temporary Water Supply Project, an initiative led by Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd (HEC), the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractor. The project aims to ensure reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for all residents during the construction phase.As part of this initiative, Habusi Village received two 5,000-litre water tanks, designed to store rainwater for essential uses such as washing, cooking, and drinking. Prior to this …

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Gender Steering Committee 2024 Q4 Meeting.

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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, …

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Influx Steering Committee Q4 Meeting.

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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 …

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World Bank & PO Site Visit to Tina River Hydropower Development Project: Summary Report.

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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 …

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