Renewables challenge to spice up photo voltaic on Solomon Islands – pv journal Worldwide

A challenge is at present underway within the Solomon Islands to assist the nation speed up the technology of renewable vitality.

The Solomon Islands Renewable Energy Development Project plans to finance new photo voltaic farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces, together with a utility-scale grid-connected vitality storage system in Honiara, the nation’s capital. It may also assist a pilot for rooftop photo voltaic at two regional faculties.

Other goals embody selling the participation of the non-public sector by getting ready at the least one renewables challenge within the non-public sector.

The challenge was financed with a $10 million concessional mortgage and a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), whereas the Saudi Fund for Development and state-owned Solomon Power offered $10 million every. The Solomon Islands authorities offered $7 million.

Almost all grid electrical energy within the Solomon Islands is diesel generated, with renewables making up 2% of the vitality combine. Shane Rosenthal, ADB’s Pacific liaison and coordination workplace regional director, stated the challenge will scale back dependence on costly fossil gasoline imports.

“Poor entry to wash and sustainable electrical energy and excessive electrical energy costs restrict the Solomon Islands’ alternatives for financial progress and prosperity,” added Rosenthal. “[The project] will set up further photo voltaic capability within the nation and supply the biggest grid-connected battery storage system within the Pacific, which is a crucial first step in increasing grid-connected renewable vitality by way of non-public sector funding.