Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in infrastructure, local business and job creation – growing economic opportunities for the people of Solomon Islands.
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP, alongside Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, the Hon Derrick Manu’ari, announced today that Australia will provide SBD38 million in additional grant funding for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
Announced at the launch of the Solomon Islands – Australia Development Partnership Plan, the additional funding will support strengthening of the access road to accommodate the heavy machinery needed at the project site.
The funding will also enable the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification to continue close oversight of project implementation through its dedicated project office.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Conroy re-affirmed Australia’s long-term support for this flagship renewable energy project in Solomon Islands.
“We are committed to the project’s successful completion in early 2028, which will enhance economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders by reducing the costs of electricity in Honiara and help Solomon Islands deliver on commitments under the Paris Agreement” said Minister Conroy.
So far, close to 200 Solomon Islanders are working on this transformational project, approximately half of the current total workforce. This figure is expected to grow as construction advances.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is Australia’s largest climate investment in the Pacific. This additional contribution builds on the SBD364 million already invested. This includes financing from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific of a 22km transmission line connecting the hydropower site to Honiara’s electricity grid.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is co-financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Asian Development Bank, Government of Australia, Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and World Bank.
Source: Australia High Commission, Solomon Islands