Delivering Clean Energy to Honiara
The Tina River Hydropower Project is the largest renewable energy initiative in the Solomon Islands. The associated transmission system is fundamental to realising its benefits, connecting the hydropower facility to the Honiara national grid. Once operational, the transmission system will enable delivery of approximately 70–80 GWh of renewable electricity per year to the Honiara grid, strengthening supply reliability while supporting lower‑carbon generation.
The Tina River Hydropower Transmission System scope includes:
- Construction of a 22 km, 66 kV overhead transmission line connecting the Tina River Substation to the Lungga Substation
- Installation of 33/66 kV and 66/33 kV transformers and associated substation works at both locations
Together, these works will reliable grid integration of renewable hydropower and support long‑term energy resilience for Honiara and surrounding communities.
Ensuring Delivery with Confidence
As PMSC, SMEC is responsible for providing project management, contract administration and construction supervision services, acting as the Engineer under the FIDIC Red Book, performing its duties independently in accordance with the contract. Our role includes planning and programming, supervision of the Infrastructure Works Contractor, design review, quality assurance, safeguards compliance, risk management and contract administration.
SMEC has mobilised a multidisciplinary team of international and regional specialists across project management, transmission line engineering, substation engineering, safeguards and finance and contract management. This approach ensures the project is delivered in line with financier, regulatory and client requirements, while supporting effective coordination and knowledge transfer.
Collaboration Backed by Strong Partnerships
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and Export Finance Australia (EFA), and delivered in partnership with Solomon Power, the implementing agency, and the Solomon Islands Government. SMEC will work closely with the client and financier to support transparent reporting, proactive risk management and timely delivery.
“The Tina River Transmission System is a nationally significant project that will enable the delivery of clean, renewable energy to Honiara. We look forward to working closely with Solomon Power, AIFFP and EFA to deliver this project safely, efficiently and in line with its strategic and long‑term capacity‑building objectives,” said John Robert McDonald, SMEC Regional Director Transmission and Distribution, Asia.
Building Resilience for Generations
The Tina River Hydropower Transmission System is a flagship infrastructure project for Solomon Power and a critical component of Solomon Islands’ long‑term energy transition. By enabling renewable hydropower integration, the project will support improved energy security, reduced reliance on imported diesel and alignment with the country’s energy policy objectives and climate commitments of the Solomon Islands Government.
SMEC is honoured to support this important infrastructure project and to contribute to sustainable development outcomes for the Solomon Islands.
Key Stats
- 70–80 GWh per year of renewable electricity enabled for delivery to the Honiara grid
- 22 km, 66 kV overhead transmission line connecting Tina River and Lungga substations
