A new solar energy system is now powering Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province, improving access to reliable electricity for one of the Solomon Islands’ largest and most remote secondary schools.
The installation marks the first Solomon Islands project under the REnew Pacific programme, delivered by local renewable energy provider Superfly. The system supplies clean and dependable power to around 820 students — including about 600 boarders — as well as staff housing and nearby community facilities.
Previously reliant on costly and unreliable diesel generation, the college is expected to benefit from round-the-clock electricity while significantly reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.
The project was officially launched by Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu Trevor Hedley Mahaga, alongside representatives from the Australian High Commission and the school community led by principal Dudley Uata.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the initiative reflects Canberra’s commitment to expanding access to renewable energy in remote areas.
“The solar hybrid system installation at Sir Dudley Tuti College demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting expanded access to renewable sources of energy in remote and rural areas,” Roach said.
Mahaga said the investment would have lasting benefits for education and community wellbeing in Isabel Province.
“Reliable solar power will enable brighter classrooms, safer dormitories and dependable services across the campus, giving students and teachers more opportunities to learn, teach and live well after dark,” he said.
Sir Dudley Tuti College is one of three sites supported under the REnew Pacific programme, which aims to deliver off-grid renewable energy solutions to more than 81,000 people across Isabel, Western and Malaita provinces.
Other projects include a hybrid solar system at Atoifi Adventist Hospital in Eastern Malaita to support emergency and maternity services, as well as installations at Goldie College in Western Province to benefit students and surrounding communities.
Superfly director Gavin Pereira said the company was pleased to work with local stakeholders to deliver the project.
REnew Pacific is part of Australia’s A$75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The initiative falls under the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, a A$350 million programme delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and implemented by Palladium.
