The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the Tina River hydropower project in the Solomon Islands during a site visit on 16 February 2026.
Following the visit, Kanda described the project as transformational and said it would play a central role in Solomon Islands’ energy transition. Once completed, the 15MW facility is expected to supply more than two-thirds of electricity demand in Honiara.
“This 15MW plant will mark a major milestone in shifting Solomon Islands to clean energy,” President Kanda said. “This shift will lower electricity costs, helping businesses and communities thrive while ensuring long-term sustainability.”
During the visit, Kanda reviewed construction progress. Tunnelling works are scheduled to begin soon, followed by construction of the main dam structure, which will be 72m high and approximately 234m long.
ADB is financing the project with an US$18m concessional loan and a US$12m grant from its Asian Development Fund. The bank said it continues to expand access to electricity and strengthen energy security across the Pacific through similar projects.
Kanda highlighted the role of international partnerships in delivering large-scale infrastructure, noting that the Tina River Hydropower Project reflects ADB’s focus on quality infrastructure and collaboration.
ADB is working with the Government of Solomon Islands, the World Bank Group, Australia, the Green Climate Fund, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and the Export–Import Bank of Korea to deliver the project.
“Together, we are turning this project into reality to benefit the people of Solomon Islands for generations to come,” President Kanda said.
