Key guests gather next to the official plaque following the commissioning of the Solar Hybrid Power Plant.
ADB-supported solar plant brings cleaner, more reliable power to Kirakira
A new solar power plant commissioned Thursday last week will help reduce diesel use and provide cleaner, more reliable electricity to households, businesses, schools, the hospital, and other public services in Kirakira town, Makira-Ulawa Province’s business center.
The facility includes a 320-kilowatt solar array and a 1,140-kilowatt-hour battery storage system, connected to the existing electricity network. It is part of the $15.2 million Solar Power Development Project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is delivering solar power systems in five provincial centers across Solomon Islands.
“Reliable electricity is the foundation of economic growth, education, healthcare, and communications,” said ADB Country Director Anthony Gill at the commissioning.
“This plant will strengthen energy security, support local businesses, increase the share of renewable energy, and contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.”
Kirakira is the project’s third commissioned solar plant, following Tulagi in September and Munda in October. The project has faced delays and technical and logistical challenges, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the complex task of transporting equipment to remote locations.
Mr. Gill commended Solomon Power and its partners for working through these challenges to bring the system into operation.
Minister for the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification Derrick Manu’ari, in his keynote address, emphasized how the solar plant saves money by cutting down on imported diesel and making electricity supply cheaper and more sustainable in the long run.
“Renewable energy is not only an environmental investment; it is an economic and social investment in the future prosperity of Solomon Islands.”
He adds, “The true test of this investment will be its sustained operational performance, reduced fuel expenditure, and measurable contribution to more affordable electricity.”
ADB will continue supporting the Government of the Solomon Islands on more renewable energy systems, on improving the policy and regulatory environment, and in finding new approaches to reducing both generation and non-generation costs of electricity.
ADB Country Director Anthony Gill highlighted that this solar plant would reduce reliance on imported diesel, strengthen energy security, increase the share of renewable energy, support local business, and contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.
Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manu’ari remarked that the Kirakira Solar Hybrid Power Plant “represents the future we seek: a Solomon Islands that relies less on imported diesel, makes greater use of its own renewable resources, and offers stronger opportunities for its provincial communities.”
Key dignitaries officially cut the ribbon to commission the 320kWp Kirakira Solar Hybrid Power Plant with Battery Storage- marking a major milestone in our national renewable energy transition.
Cultural dance groups made up of women, men, and young children from Kirakira added vibrant energy and pride to last week’s commissioning celebration.
Some of the invited guests at the commissioning event in Kirakira. Community partnership has been the cornerstone in bringing this solar farm to success.
Solomon Power Chief Executive Officer Delilah Homelo delivers the closing remarks.
Makira-Ulawa Provincial Assembly members and stakeholders pose in front of the commissioning plaque at the Kirakira solar site.