New pico-hydro power stations bring Vanuatu closer to green energy goal
- Admin
- 33 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Vanuatu has officially commissioned three pico-hydro power stations on Pentecost Island, advancing toward its goal of making renewable electricity available to remote communities and accelerating its shift toward a low-carbon future.
Ralph Regenvanu, minister of Climate Change Adaptation, said the launch of the new power plants marked another step toward Vanuatu’s National Energy Road Map target of 100 percent renewable energy electrification by 2030.
Funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency and built under the United Nations Development Program’s Vanuatu Green Transformation Project, the new facilities power up the villages of Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat.
“The communities of Pentecost are now part of Vanuatu’s green energy future,” Regenvanu said.
Japan and UNDP formally transferred the energy assets to the government of Vanuatu during a handover ceremony on March 24. They previously launched a similar project in Espiritu Santo Island.
“This milestone demonstrates our strong commitment to ensuring that even the most remote communities in Vanuatu can benefit from clean, reliable and affordable electricity,” Regenvanu said.
Built by the contractor ENCO Pvt Ltd, the power stations have been generating electricity since December 2025. Since then, the systems have undergone rigorous technical testing to ensure stable operation.
Officials said the tests have confirmed that the three stations are now delivering reliable 24/7 electricity to 706 connections across homes, businesses and public institutions connected to the local mini-grid systems.
The three stations offer a combined generation capacity of 63 kW and will produce approximately 549,340 kWh of electricity annually. They are supported by 154 kWh of battery storage, resulting in a maximum available annual energy of 604,785 kWh.
This renewable energy infrastructure is electrifying approximately 16 percent of Pentecost Island’s population, based on the 2020 Census.
The project also included the construction of approximately 34 kilometers of electrical distribution network, enabling 706 prepaid electricity connections for households, schools, health facilities, community halls and small businesses.
The installation of prepaid metering systems helps ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of the electricity services.
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“Japan is proud to support the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project as part of our Pacific Green Transformation Initiative,” Naohisa Okuda, Japanese ambassador to Vanuatu.
“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's vision for a greener future," he added.
The three stations feature distinct technical characteristics adapted to local river conditions and terrain.
The Waterfall Pico-Hydro Power Station, powered by the Waterfall River, operates with a designed flow of 160 liters per second, a gross head of 41.2 meters, and an installed capacity of 24 kW. Its 22.2-kilometer network serves 394 connections across 19 settlements.
The Melsisi Pico-Hydro Power Station, drawing from the Melsisi River, operates with a designed flow of 47 liters per second and a gross head of 136.2 meters, producing 32 kW of installed capacity. Its 6.6-kilometer network supplies electricity to 165 connections across two settlements, including the town of Melsisi.
The Larimaat Pico-Hydro Power Station, powered by the Larimaat River, operates with a designed flow of 21.7 liters per second and a gross head of 63.3 meters, generating 6.7 kW of installed capacity. Its 5.2-kilometer network delivers electricity to 147 connections across four settlements.
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“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,” said Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, UNDP deputy resident representative to the Pacific.
“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 added.
Imran Khan, VGET project manager, noted the logistical and environmental challenges of building energy infrastructure on Pentecost Island.
“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." Khan said.
"Despite these challenges, the VGET team worked closely with the Department of Energy, the contractor 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 added.
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