Micro power plants Vanuatu

Will a new solar micro-grid change Vanuatu's lives?

(Photo: Ian Iercet) On the remote island of Malekula, the second-largest island in Vanuatu, a new solar micro-grid is changing the lives of over 2,800 people - boosting local development while contributing to Vanuatu’s sector specific target of transitioning to close to 100 percent renewable energy for electricity by 2030.

What is a Vanuatu solar PV system?

This project is aligned to the Government of Vanuatu’s National Energy Road Map for increasing the energy access for rural communities in Vanuatu. The installed solar PV system is a stand-alone 230/400 VAC 50Hz solar micro-grid combined with 48V batteries operating 24 hours and 7 days a week.

What is the Vanuatu micro-grid?

Photo: Ian Iercet Launched in September in the communities of Wintua and Lorlow, the micro-grid is Vanuatu’s first-ever community-run power system: members of the communities own and manage it.

Does Vanuatu have a Power Cooperative?

Throughout the first year of operation, the local energy service company will provide free maintenance and train members of the local communities to operate and maintain the power station. “This is the first-ever power cooperative for Vanuatu’s last mile communities.

Will Vanuatu electrify most inhabited islands?

Access to reliable and sustainable electricity supply is a game-changer for remote communities, and the Government of Vanuatu is planning to embark on a comprehensive programme which will electrify most inhabited islands in Vanuatu through renewable energy. Click here for more information on our work in Vanuatu. Key points of the project:

What is the Vanuatu rural electrification project?

As mentioned earlier, The Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project is aimed at increasing electrification in rural households. Th project is targeting 17,500 households, 230 aid posts and 2,000 not-for-profit community halls unable to access affordable, safe and healthy electricity and located in dispersed off-grid areas.