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

On the remote island of Malekula, 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 in the electricity sector by 2030.

What is a micro-grid in Vanuatu?

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. This keeps energy costs low as there are no external operation costs or profit margin are usually incorporated into an electricity fee and passed onto consumers.

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.

Is solar a good idea for Vanuatu?

Antony Garae, Director of the Vanuatu Department of Energy, said this project is a great boon to his country, where 80 percent of rural residents lack electricity. “Solar is the best solution for these areas not only because of its obvious contributions to climate change mitigation but because fuel is costly and difficult to transport,” he said.