5 Solar Mini Grids Launched on Malekula

The five solar mini grid projects on Malekula at Akhamb, Farun, Maskelyne, Lamap and Rensarie were launched on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (October 14, 15 and 16) last week by a delegation led by the Hon. Minister of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu.

These five solar mini grid projects are the first ever to be fully (100%) funded by the Government of Vanuatu at a cost of approximately 1 billion Vatu.

All members of Parliament for Malekula were invited to be part of the delegation, but only MP Alick Terry, MP Paul Paulo, MP Anatole Hymak, and MP Jones Nimbwen  were able to join the delegation.
President of MALAMPA Province, Hon. Jeppy Talo, was part of the delegation, accompanied by Assistant Secretary General of the Province and police escort provided by the police on Lakatoro and Lamap.

Utilities Regulatory Authority representative and Vanuatu National Power and Water Authority (VAN-PAWA), represented by the General Manager of VNPF as Chairman of VAN-PAWA, Mr Paul Kaun, were also part of the delegation present for the launch ceremonies.

Hon. Regenvanu thanked successive governments since 2019 and previous ministers and previous members of parliament that were committed to ensure the projects are completed.
The contractors, Trama Tecno Ambiental and subcontractor SINOSOAR Consortium worked closely with the Government of Vanuatu through Department of Energy.

The Minister acknowledged staff of the Department of Energy and Director Matthew Tasale for their tireless effort to see the completion of the project.

He encouraged people in the five communities to use the service to improve their livelihoods.

The Minister also acknowledged landowners and men, women and youths that provided assistance in the form of labour or provision of food, which is a good example of partnership with Government and partners to ensure the projects are completed.

The infrastructures launched included solar electricity generation equipment, standby generators, and street lights, whose handing over was also done by the contractors to the Government, with a one month transition period.

The solar mini grid infrastructure and launch ceremony on Lamap in South Malekula is expected to reach 218 households, 43 businesses and 15 institutions that include the Mini Hospital and schools.

The Peskarus solar mini grid has an electricity capacity of 135.72 kilowatts.

There are 141 households covered by the mini grid, with 22 businesses that include tourism bungalows and 7 institutions that include the Sangalai Secondary School.

A total of 19 streetlights have been installed and a standby generator installed next to the mini solar grid.

A total of 157 households on Akhamb are serviced by the mini grid as well as 25 businesses and 8 institutions that includes a school and clinic.

The solar mini grid at Farun village has an electricity capacity of 83.52 kilowatts, with a standby generator that will service 112 households, 11 businesses and 9 institutions that includes the South Malekula Secondary School.

A total of 12 streetlights were installed at Farun.

The Rensarie mini grid has a similar electricity output to Akhamb’s. with 157 households serviced, 25 businesses and 8 institutions.