ADB backs USD-15.2m solar project in Solomon Islands

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday approved support for a USD-15.2-million (EUR 14.3m) project in Solomon Islands that will install about 2 MW of solar capacity.

The project will convert electricity networks in five provinces almost entirely to solar power through the construction of ground-mounted rows of solar panels within or near the townships of Kirakira, Lata, Malu’u, Munda and Tulagi, ADB said. The solar power plants will have potential to be expanded to meet growing demand in the future. The project will also feature battery storage.

The initiative will cut both greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of generating electricity by reducing the need to ship diesel to the provincial centres. It is part of a broader programme by Solomon Power to expand electricity access to rural communities through renewable energy-based grids.

ADB is providing a USD-2.24-million grant for the project, which will also be funded by a USD-6.2-million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund and USD 6.76 million from the government of Solomon Islands.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.941)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!