The Solomon Islands’ push for cleaner, more reliable and affordable energy gained renewed momentum as the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) took part in one of the world’s most influential hydropower gatherings, Hydro2025, held 21–24 October in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The event brought together engineers, financiers, policymakers and environmental specialists to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of hydropower. Among the delegates was TRHDP Biodiversity Officer John Walenenea Jnr, who participated on behalf of the Project Office, sharing on-the-ground experience from the Pacific while learning from global best practice.
For the Solomon Islands, the conference was more than a technical exchange — it was a reminder of why the Tina River Project remains central to the nation’s long-term development. As the country’s first large-scale renewable energy project, TRHDP aims to replace costly diesel generation, reduce emissions, stabilise electricity supply and support communities with cleaner, more affordable energy. Every new skill, tool and global connection built through forums like Hydro2025 strengthens that mission.
Hydro2025 featured 37 sessions spanning nearly every aspect of modern hydropower, from climate resilience and project financing to biodiversity protection, dam safety, sedimentation management and new digital tools. For a project progressing in a seismically active, climate-sensitive region like the Solomon Islands, the relevance was direct and immediate.
Improving reservoir sustainability
Sessions on sedimentation and reservoir management showcased real-time monitoring tools designed to protect turbines and extend reservoir life. These technologies help operators make informed decisions on flushing, dredging and long-term maintenance — knowledge that could support Tina River’s future operations and reduce costs over the plant’s lifespan.
Protecting fish and biodiversity
Hydropower’s environmental footprint was a major theme, including presentations on AI-powered systems that identify fish species and track aquatic life. Such tools could strengthen environmental compliance in sensitive river ecosystems and bolster the Tina River Project’s biodiversity commitments.
Advancing dam safety
Delegates also heard how satellite-based InSAR imaging and neural-network analysis are now being used to identify new and historical landslides that may increase reservoir sedimentation or threaten structures. Integrating these systems could further enhance the Tina River Project’s monitoring and safety framework.
Building climate resilience
Climate risk assessments, including frameworks such as the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA), were highlighted as essential tools for hydropower operators. Hydrological forecasting, integrated water resource management and long-term adaptation plans were also underscored as critical for safeguarding communities downstream — a priority for the Solomon Islands.
Strengthening environmental and social safeguards
Discussions on carbon footprint reduction, community engagement and contractor responsibility aligned closely with TRHDP’s ongoing social and environmental work. Early planning, material reuse and transparent monitoring were identified as effective ways to ensure community trust and environmental integrity.
Enhancing flood forecasting and management
Presentations from Japan, France and Italy demonstrated advanced flood forecasting systems that enable reservoir drawdown with minimal water loss while improving storage recovery. These tools underline the importance of strong hydrological data collection during both design and construction — an area noted as an opportunity for further policy development in the Solomon Islands.
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Participation in Hydro2025 allowed the Solomon Islands Government and the Project Office team to build global networks, exchange perspectives and absorb lessons from some of the world’s most complex hydropower projects. For TRHDP, the knowledge gained supports its broader national role: delivering cleaner energy, improving reliability, lowering generation costs and reducing dependence on diesel — all while building the country’s resilience to climate change.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is the Solomon Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy initiative. It aims to deliver more affordable, cleaner and more reliable electricity for communities now and in the future. The project is implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, the Korea EXIM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the World Bank.
