British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru Paul
Turner highlighted the need for a new independent energy
regulator in Solomon Islands at a National Stakeholder Workshop
on energy reform.
In his keynote speech, High Commission Paul Turner welcomed the
government's vision for a more accessible and affordable
electricity sector, saying the establishment of a new Regulator
will enable more Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to provide
electricity in Solomon Islands.
The High Commissioner underlined that solar was a source of power
that should be utilised more, and the new Regulator would
encourage more solar IPPs.
He said the current grid system which was 90% diesel generated
was untenable both economically and environmentally. Solomon
Islands must look beyond diesel for cleaner, cheaper power on and
off grid.
The UK has deployed British experts to help the Ministry of
Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification with the drafting of a
new legislation for an Independent Regulator.
The workshop on Wednesday 18 February canvassed views on the new
legislative framework with participants from across government
and other public agencies, including Solomon Power.
Members of the donor-diplomatic community were also present,
including the World
Bank and ADB who are working with the
UK.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification welcomed
the UK contribution and stressed the need to keep up the momentum
on reforms in the energy sector. High Commissioner Turner
said the process was taking time, but progress was being made.
