The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project site on 20 February to observe progress on the country’s flagship renewable energy initiative.
Turner, accompanied by a team of UK energy specialists, began the visit at Garivera Campsite, where the delegation received an induction presentation outlining construction progress, safety protocols and key engineering milestones. The group then proceeded to the dam site before concluding at the powerhouse site, including the main tunnel system currently under development.
The United Kingdom is a major contributor to the Green Climate Fund, one of the principal financiers of the hydropower project.
“Tina Hydro is a transformational project for Solomons, and the UK is delighted to be supporting it through our funding of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF is the largest contributor to Tina Hydro, and the UK will continue to be the strongest of advocates,” Turner said.
The project is Solomon Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy initiative and is expected to reduce reliance on diesel power generation, lower electricity costs and support the country’s national climate commitments.
The High Commissioner’s visit underscores the UK’s ongoing partnership with Solomon Islands and its support for sustainable infrastructure delivering long-term social, environmental and economic benefits.
The hydropower development is led by the Solomon Islands Government, with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Asian Development Bank, Government of Australia, Green Climate Fund, Korea Eximbank and the World Bank.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government to deliver more affordable electricity and improve access to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities. Further information is available at www.tina-hydro.com.
