VANUATU’s Green Transformation Project is making steady progress as engineers begin construction on a new hybrid solar and pico-hydro power station in the remote village of Nambwarangiut, bringing reliable electricity to nearly 700 residents for the first time.
The $USD1 million USD project, funded by the Government of Italy, is part of the second phase of the project), implemented by the UNDP and Vanuatu’s government.
The system will combine a 3.49kW pico-hydro generator with a 25kWp solar array, producing over 67,000 kWh annually. A 33 kWh battery will ensure stable supply. The hybrid design allows hydropower to operate continuously while solar supplements generation during daytime and low river flow periods.
Around 10 kilometres of distribution lines will connect 122 households, nine businesses, and 16 institutions across eight settlements. Approximately 692 residents will benefit from 24/7 electricity.
Vanuatu remains one of the Pacific’s least electrified nations. According to 2023 data, 83 per cent of the rural population still lacks reliable power, often relying on solar lanterns or costly fossil-fuel generators.
The project supports Vanuatu’s National Energy Road Map target of 100 per cent renewable electrification by 2030.
Local entrepreneur Pheppian Tevi said the community has long awaited the project, and it will help expand her handicraft business.
The initiative includes technical training and local employment to help residents maintain the system. UNDP Project Manager Imran Khan said The station is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 147 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
This construction follows the successful completion of three similar stations in central Pentecost under the project’s first phase.
Source: UNDP.org
