Pentecost hydropower stations handed over to gov’t

March 24, 2026 9:42 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Three Japan-funded pico-hydropower stations at Waterfall, Melsisi and Larimaat villages on Pentecost were officially launched and handed over to the Vanuatu Government yesterday.

Constructed under the UNDP Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET), these small systems generate electricity from flowing water. They are now delivering reliable 24/7 electricity to 706 connections across homes, businesses and public institutions connected to the mini-grid systems.

Powered by the Waterfall River, the Waterfall Pico-Hydropower Station supplies electricity to 394 connections across 19 settlements. Larimaat Pico-Hydropower Station, with 6.7Kw installed capacity, provides electricity to 147 connections across four settlements. Drawing power from the Melsisi River, Melsisi Pico-Hydropower Station produces 32Kw of installed capacity and delivers electricity to 165 connections across two settlements, including Melsisi Town.

These hydropower stations represent a USD4.62 investment, directly benefiting 3,274 residents and indirectly improving the lives of approximately 6,000 people across the three communities.

This renewable energy infrastructure is electrifyingapproximately 16 per cent of Pentecost Island’s population, based on the 2020 Census.

The three stations are offering a combined generation capacity of 63 kW and will produce approximately 549,340 kWh of electricity annually, supported by154 kWh of battery storage, providing a maximum available annual energy of 604,785 kWh.

The project also included the construction of approximately 34 kilometers of electrical distribution network. The installation of prepaid metering systems helps ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of the electricity services.

Speaking at the launching, Minister of Climate Change and Energy Ralph Regenvanu said the initiative demonstrates commitment to ensuring that even the most remote communities in Vanuatu can benefit from clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.

“Through our partnership with the Government of Japan and UNDP, we are accelerating progress towards our National Energy Road Map target of 100 percent renewable energy electrification by 2030. The communities of Pentecost are now part of Vanuatu’s green energy future,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Naohisa Okuda, said: “Japan is proud to support the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project as part of our Pacific Green Transformation Initiative. Access to clean and reliable energy is essential for sustainable development, new economic opportunities and improved livelihoods. Japan is pleased to see this partnership’s results contributing to Vanuatu’s and our Pacific region vision for a greener future.”

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to the Pacific, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, said electricity is more than infrastructure-it is an enabler of opportunity.

“These pico-hydro systems are already transforming daily life in Pentecost, supporting education, healthcare, local businesses and livelihoods while advancing climate-resilient development. UNDP is proud to work alongside the Government of Vanuatu and the Government of Japan to bring sustainable energy solutions to communities who need them the most,” he said.

VGET Project Manager, Imran Khan, said Constructing a pico-hydro system in a remote island environment like Pentecost has proven to come with unique technical and logistical challenges, more than we could ever imagine.

“Heavy rainfall often made access to remote worksites difficult and caused delays. The project also faced shortages of specialized fittings and electrical components that could not be sourced locally and had to be imported from overseas.

“Despite these challenges, the VGET team worked closely with the Department of Energy, the contractor (ENCO Pvt Ltd) and local communities to find solutions. Today, seeing the communities enjoying electricity and handing over these systems to the Government makes all the effort worthwhile,” he said.

Beyond infrastructure delivery, VGET has also focused on strengthening institutional capacity and community ownership of theenergy systems. Technical training was provided to government staff and community members to support long-term system operation and maintenance.

The project also promoted green job creation, gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities, ensuring that the benefits of the renewable energy transition are shared equitably.

Vanuatu remains one of the least electrified countries in the Pacific. According to national data, a significant proportion of rural households still rely on solar lanterns or diesel generators for basic lighting and energy needs.

To address this challenge and support the goal of 100 percent renewable energy electrification by 2030, the Government of Vanuatu and UNDP are implementing the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project with funding from the Government of Japanunder its USD 37 million Pacific Green Transformation Initiative, which also supported renewable energy development in Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Timor-Leste.