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.