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Expanding Renewable Energy in the Soloman Islands

Renewable Energy in the Soloman IslandsThe Solomon Islands, an archipelago nation in the South Pacific with more than 700,000 people, faces unique energy challenges due to its geographical spread and reliance on imported fossil fuels. To tackle these ongoing issues, renewable energy in the Soloman Islands is expanding, by signing and aligning with international climate goals such as the Paris Agreement.

Current Renewable Energy Landscape

The Solomon Islands relies heavily on diesel generators, with approximately 80% of its electricity coming from fossil fuels. Hydropower has played a role in the country’s renewable energy sector, with the Lungga Hydropower Station near the capital, Honiara, serving as the primary source of renewable electricity. However, the country seeks to diversify its energy mix to reduce costs, increase sustainability and enhance energy security.

Future Renewable Energy Potential

The Solomon Islands government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its national energy mix to a target of 100% by 2030. Solar power presents one of the most promising opportunities, given the country’s tropical climate and consistent year-round sunlight. Additionally, the newly launched Tina River Hydropower Project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 49,500 tons annually, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. The government is also promoting community-based biomass projects to meet energy needs while encouraging sustainable land use practices.

The Role of Coconut Oil in Energy Production

In a unique renewable energy initiative, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered with Solomon Power to explore coconut oil as an alternative to diesel fuel. The trial involved running a generator on locally produced coconut oil, with a contract supplying 1,000 liters per week. This not only provided a steady income for coconut farmers but also demonstrated the potential for coconut oil to become a viable renewable energy source. Expanding this initiative could enhance energy security while creating new economic opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite progress, the Solomon Islands faces challenges in expanding its renewable energy sector. The geographical dispersion of islands makes energy infrastructure development costly and logistically complex. Additionally, securing financing for large-scale projects remains a hurdle for the nation and the country currently has some of the highest electricity costs in the world. Additionally, if coconut oil emerges as a major fuel source, it will require substantial investments in coconut farming, including replanting initiatives and enhanced quality control measures. The Solomon Islands needs to focus on a transition to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels to advance its energy goals and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Renewable energy in the Soloman Islands stands at a pivotal moment in its transition. Expanding renewable energy sources could reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower energy costs and contribute to global sustainability goals. With ongoing investments in hydropower, solar energy and innovative biofuel solutions, the country is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy development in the Pacific region.

– Avery Hazard

Avery is based in Segovia, Spain and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Challenging Poverty in The Solomon Islands

Navigating Post-Conflict Challenges in the Solomon IslandsFor five years, from 1998 to 2003, violent civil conflict battered the Solomon Islands, leaving deep scars. Islanders still working to rebuild and rehabilitate their communities bear the burdens of social, political and economic instability. The challenges are stark: nearly 200,000 people live below the poverty line, a significant portion of the population relies on subsistence farming and 16.5% are undernourished. In response to these pressing issues, the United Nations (U.N.) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are actively addressing gender inequality, food insecurity, disease and poverty in the Solomon Islands.

Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

The Solomon Islands is a deeply patriarchal and conservative society, but it is making significant progress toward female empowerment. The U.N. General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 18 Dec. 1979. It advances the roles of women and girls in all spheres of life, from agriculture to government. The Solomon Islands enacted its first Family Protection Act 35 years later, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed domestic violence and significantly stepped toward protecting women from physical and sexual assault. According to the U.N. Women, the government advances women’s equity by implementing fee-free education and enacting targeted measures to increase primary and secondary education enrollment rates, enabling girls to start and stay in school.

Economic Competitiveness through Agriculture

Solomon Islanders primarily work in agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing and tourism. Their main exports—fish and timber—have been depleted. This has led to widespread underemployment and left thousands unable to provide for their families. To enhance the Solomon Islands’ economic competitiveness, USAID partnered with the largest cocoa buyer in the Solomon Islands to promote farmers’ education, develop nurseries, renew family plantations and improve processing techniques. This collaboration has significantly impacted agribusiness by increasing farmers’ productivity and income. These interventions have also improved the governance of natural resources through partnerships with national, provincial and community partners.

Enhancing Health Care and Disease Prevention

The U.N. and USAID have played critical roles in advancing health care in the Solomon Islands. Each organization has significantly protected islanders from disease outbreaks and combated endemic strains of malaria, tuberculosis and dengue. Under its Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the U.N. is upgrading the Islands’ Public Health Laboratory and enhancing access to clean water through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. Similarly, USAID has been supporting the Solomon Islands in combating COVID-19. This is being achieved by enhanced data collection, promoting vaccination campaigns, training health workers and procuring emergency equipment. During the pandemic’s peak, USAID worked with civil society organizations to establish quarantine facilities. Additionally, they supported case tracking and assisted in repatriating Solomon Islanders stranded overseas.

Looking Ahead

The Solomon Islands are steadily overcoming the aftermath of years of civil conflict through targeted efforts by the U.N. and USAID. These organizations are focusing on advancing gender equality, improving food security and enhancing health care services. By promoting women’s rights, boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening public health systems, the foundations for reducing poverty in the Solomon Islands are being set. A brighter and more resilient future for the Solomon Islands are being established.

– Natalie Kaufman

Natalie is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr