New solar hub powers clean energy and opportunity in Solomon Islands
More than 1,200 people in the remote community of Takataka, East Are’are, are now benefitting from clean, reliable solar power through an Australia-supported partnership that is bringing off-grid renewable energy to one of the Solomon Islands’ most isolated regions.
Led by local company Superfly, with support from Save the Children Solomon Islands, Mai-Ma’asina Green Belt (MMGB) and the Australian Government, through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), the partnership pilots a new hub-and-spoke model for rural electrification.
The new Takataka Cultural Centre solar hub powers community facilities, digital learning spaces and small businesses, while 96 household solar systems distributed so far through a digital Paygo platform, provide affordable lighting and refrigeration to homes for the first time.
The hub also powers a solar-powered electric boat built with Australian technology from EClass Outboards, helping replace costly petrol trips with clean energy for travel and conservation work between villages.
Speaking at the launch event held in Takataka, Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel highlighted the transformative potential of innovative energy solutions like this one.
“There’s no challenge that local communities can’t overcome if they’re given the right support,” Mr Schloeffel said. “This solar hub system will open up economic opportunities and improve quality of life – all while being delivered and managed by local businesses and organisations.”
Supervising Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, the Honourable Daniel Waneroa, commended the project’s alignment to the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s objective of expanding energy access to remote and rural communities.
“This model of rural electrification can be replicated across other communities in Solomon Islands and contribute to our goal of increasing renewable energy, said Supervising Minister Waneroa.
The upgrades are expected to save more than 6,000 litres of fuel a year and avoid 24.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, while improving livelihoods, education and food security through new digital access and solar-powered equipment such as food dehydrators and chest freezers.
Gavin Pereira, Director of Superfly, said: “The people of Takataka and our partners in Australia have worked side-by-side to make this project a success. It shows how local knowledge and community leadership, supported through partnership, can bring clean energy and real opportunities to remote areas.”
This partnership is a pilot for REnew Pacific, Australia’s $75 million investment to power off-grid communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste with renewable energy. It is supported through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
