Solar-powering healthcare and education in Solomon Islands’ Malaita, Western and Isabel communities

About this project

Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province with its new solar system

This project will install solar hybrid energy systems at Atoifi Adventist Hospital, Goldie College and Sir Dudley Tuti College, ensuring reliable 24/7 electricity supply to power essential services, including healthcare and education.

Each institution currently relies on diesel generators, leading to high fuel costs, limited operational hours, and disruptions in service delivery. The transition to solar energy will reduce diesel consumption by up to 95% providing a cost-effective and climate-resilient power solution.

The project will benefit over 81,000 people in Eastern Malaita by ensuring continuous power at Atoifi Adventist Hospital for critical medical services, including emergency care maternity and medical training. Over 1,400 students at Goldie College and Sir Dudley Tuti College will also benefit from extended study hours, improved learning conditions and enhanced safety through reliable power for dormitories and classrooms.

The solar hybrid systems will significantly improve the educational environment and healthcare outcomes while contributing to Solomon Islands’ goals of energy security and sustainability.

Solomon Islands faces significant challenges in providing reliable electricity to rural and remote communities, particularly in Malaita, Western and Isabel Provinces. Atoifi Adventist Hospital, which serves over 81,000 people, has been struggling with power shortages that hinder its ability to provide essential medical services.

Goldie College and Sir Dudley Tuti College, both located in remote areas of Western and Isabel provinces, also face energy limitations, impacting student safety and study hours, which impacts overall learning outcomes.

Diesel generators have been the primary power source at these institutions, but they are costly to operate and cannot meet the continuous energy needs required for healthcare and education.

To address this, this REnew Pacific project will deliver solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid inverters to each site. The standardised system design will ensure long-term sustainability, lower maintenance costs and provide a more reliable and affordable power supply, with maintenance built into the planning. In addition to the environmental benefits of reduced diesel usage, the project is also aligned with Solomon Islands’ National Energy Policy, the Ministry of Health’s strategic goals and the National Education Action Plan, helping to create a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure for these remote areas.

This project represents a transformative shift for Atoifi Adventist Hospital, Goldie College, and Sir Dudley Tuti College, delivering sustainable, 24/7 power while significantly reducing diesel dependence. Through this REnew Pacific project, we’re not just installing solar systems, we’re building long-term energy resilience, lowering operational costs and improving essential services for thousands of people in remote Solomon Islands communities.

– Gavin Pereira

Director, Superfly Limited

Reliable electricity will be a game-changer for our hospital. With 24-hour solar power, we can ensure safer surgeries, consistent vaccine refrigeration and uninterrupted maternity care, directly improving the health outcomes for the 80,000 people we serve. This project, made possible through the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific program, is a life-saving investment in our community’s future.

– Lester Asugeni

Community representative Atoifi Hospital Board, Atoifi Adventist Hospital

For years, our students have faced significant challenges due to limited electricity access. The REnew Pacific solar hybrid system will empower our students with safer dormitories, extended study hours and access to digital learning tools. It is a monumental step toward a brighter future for education in Solomon Islands.

– Deidre Zeke

Principal, Goldie College

This project provides long-term energy security for our college, reducing our reliance on expensive diesel while ensuring that students and teachers have the power they need to learn, teach and grow. With the support of the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific program, we are making a lasting investment in education and sustainability in our province.

– Fr. Oshley Nabagna

School Principal, Sir Dudley Tuti College

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