BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
People living in remote communities across Solomon Islands are set to gain better access to clean and affordable electricity following the signing of an agreement to expand the Mini Solar Power Project to 25 more constituencies.
The agreement was signed in Honiara by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the Chinese Embassy and Ever Exceed Solomon Islands Company Limited.
Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, led the signing ceremony. He thanked the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support to Solomon Islands.
“The expansion builds on progress from the first phase and shows our shared commitment to bringing clean and renewable energy to all parts of our nation, especially rural and remote communities,” Ghemu said.
The project is expected to bring practical changes to communities that continue to face challenges in accessing reliable electricity.
Ghemu said Solomon Islands produces only a very small amount of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but the country is highly vulnerable to climate change.
He pointed to rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and stronger storms as some of the challenges affecting communities, the environment and the economy.
The minister said renewable energy could help communities deal with some of these challenges while also supporting development.
“The Mini Solar Power Project will help reduce our reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels and improve access to affordable and reliable energy,” he said.
He added that clean energy could support schools, health services, small businesses and other community activities.
For people living in rural areas, better access to electricity can make everyday activities easier. Solar power can provide lighting for classrooms and public facilities and create opportunities for small businesses to operate more effectively.
The project began after China announced its “Small yet Smart” livelihood projects for Pacific Island countries at the Third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Conference in 2025.
The first phase was completed last year, with 25 small solar units installed in churches, classrooms and public service facilities across nine provinces and 25 constituencies.
Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Cai Weiming, said the first phase received positive feedback from communities.
He said the second phase would provide mini solar systems to communities in another 25 constituencies.
Cai said the project would provide clean and affordable energy, strengthen local energy independence and improve climate resilience.
The ambassador said the project also supports the Solomon Islands Government’s priorities on climate change and energy security.
He said China and Solomon Islands have continued to strengthen their cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations in 2019.
China also reaffirmed its respect for Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, culture and development choices, saying its aid comes with “no political strings attached.”
Minister Ghemu called on all constituencies involved to remain committed to the project so that its benefits reach the people who need them most.
“No country can tackle climate change alone,” he said, stressing the importance of cooperation and shared responsibility.
The minister thanked China, the Chinese Embassy, Ever Exceed Solomon Islands Company Limited and everyone involved in the agreement.
He said he looked forward to seeing the positive impact of the project on communities across Solomon Islands.
