Transforming Energy Planning in the Pacific

Project Origins – A New Era for the Solomon Islands’ Honiara Grid

The Honiara Grid Energy Transition Project was established to support the Solomon Islands’ ambition to build a modern, reliable, and fully renewable electricity system. Recognising that existing planning tools and technical capacity are not sufficient to meet national energy targets, the project introduces comprehensive planning frameworks and an open-source Capacity Expansion Modelling (CEM) tool designed specifically for the Honiara grid.

Its mission is to equip national institutions with the tools, data, and structured planning processes required to make informed decisions and chart a clear pathway towards the country’s renewable electricity targets.

Mission – Strengthening Energy Security and Resilience

The project’s modelling framework examines current renewable energy (RE) integration challenges, identifies least-cost pathways for future electricity expansion, and supports secure grid operations as higher levels of variable renewable energy (VRE) come online.

The long-term objective is clear: a resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy system for the people of Solomon Islands.

How the Project Started – Regional Mandate & National Leadership

At the 5th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting (Port Vila, May 2023), Ministers acknowledged the urgent need for modern Planning Frameworks and Capacity Expansion Modelling to guide Pacific energy transitions.

Responding to this regional call, the Solomon Islands—through Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Vehe (MMERE)—requested support from the Australian Government via the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

A project consortium was then established, bringing together:
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Delivery Partner
  • Pacific Power Association (PPA) – Utilities & Capacity-Building Partner
  • Pacific Community (SPC) – Regional Technical Partner

This collaboration ensures regional alignment, academic rigour, and strong national ownership of the planning process.

National Commitment – Solomon Islands’ NDC Pathway

The Solomon Islands has long demonstrated global leadership on climate action. Its 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledged a transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

The Enhanced NDC (2021) expanded the country’s mitigation and adaptation ambitions across multiple sectors:

  • energy
  • agriculture
  • forestry & other land use
  • waste management

Energy-sector commitments align with national policies prioritising affordability, access, climate resilience, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Current Energy Status – Key Facts

  • 98% of generation on the Honiara grid still relies on diesel
  • Only 2% of current electricity comes from renewable sources
  • Peak demand increased by 19% between 2022–2023
  • The country has strong but underutilised renewable resource potential:
    • hydropower
    • solar
    • geothermal
    • biomass / coconut oil
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