Launch of the Solomon Islands Renewable Readiness Assessment Report and Capacity Building on the Honiara SolarCity Simulator

The Solomon Islands Renewable Readiness Assessment (RRA) report launch event was scheduled from 6th to 8th February 2024 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Join us for the launch of the RRA Report – Towards an Accelerated Energy Transition in the Solomon Islands, coupled with a Capacity Building session on the Honiara SolarCity Simulator for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential.

The Solomon Islands initiated an RRA to evaluate conditions for advancing renewable energy (RE) deployment, emphasizing various RE sources and energy efficiency. The RRA aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2050 and aligns with updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the UNFCCC in 2021.

The RRA report outlines strategies to expedite the energy transition, focusing on solar, hydro, bioenergy, geothermal, and innovative solutions. Recommendations address challenges such as inadequate access to grid electricity, high energy costs, and reliance on fossil fuels. Key strategic actions include promoting institutional restructuring, enforcing technical standards, and leveraging partnerships for innovative RE solutions.

IRENA has developed the SolarCity simulator for Honiara. This online platform allows users (homeowners, investors, and authorities) to assess the technical and financial viability of installing solar PV on buildings. It tests different system designs, policy instruments, and incentive schemes to determine potential economic savings and social-environmental benefits.

The event involved consultations with representatives from the Solomon Islands Government and stakeholders on Renewable Energy nexus assessments in various sectors. The focus was on identifying the energy needs and requirements specific to these sectors within the country's context.

The event's objectives were to launch the RRA report, conduct a workshop on rooftop solar simulator analysis, follow up on RRA recommendations' implementation, and undertake consultations on RE nexus assessments in education, tourism, ICT, and fisheries sectors.

High-level representatives from Government Ministries, power utilities, development partners, financial institutions, private sector, civil society, and stakeholders involved in RRA consultations and SolarCity simulator development were invited.

The event was by invitation only.