The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) as part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), has conducted a Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) in the Solomon Islands. The assessment reveals that renewable energy offers significant opportunities to enhance living standards and reduce dependency on fossil fuels in the country.
Despite an electricity access rate of 76%, the Solomon Islands faces challenges in energy security and sustainability, particularly in remote communities. Rapid population growth and high poverty levels exacerbate these issues, compounded by the financial burden of fossil fuel imports.
The government aims to achieve 100% electricity access and zero emissions by 2050, recognizing the multiple benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. This transition is expected to improve employment, income generation, healthcare, access to information and communication technology (ICT), education, agri-food security, water security, and tourism.
The RRA underscores the potential of renewables, coupled with energy efficiency measures and innovative solutions, to provide cost-effective alternatives to imported fossil fuels. Currently, the country benefits from 0.34 MW of solar energy capacity and 4.13 MW of hydropower in its energy mix.
The report was unveiled in Honiara, with high-level government representatives, development partners, and stakeholders in attendance. Mr. Gurbuz Gonul, IRENA’s Director of Country Engagement and Partnerships, highlighted the Solomon Islands’ commitment to accelerating their energy transition, emphasizing the role of renewables in enhancing energy security and fostering economic growth.
Mr. Daniel Rove, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, affirmed the country’s dedication to restructuring its electricity delivery approach to harness renewable energy resources for sustainable socio-economic development.
The report outlines seven priority areas for the Solomon Islands, including restructuring the electricity grid, establishing technical standards for resilient off-grid renewable energy, creating innovative funding mechanisms, developing markets for electric mobility, coordinating renewable energy implementation across key sectors, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering partnerships for innovative solutions.
During the launch event, IRENA also introduced the addition of selected areas in Honiara to the SolarCity Simulator, facilitating training and awareness workshops with stakeholders. The simulator enables users to assess the technical and financial feasibility of installing solar photovoltaics (PV) on buildings, offering potential economic savings and social-environmental benefits.
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