BY ALICE CAMPBELL

British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, addressed a National Stakeholder Workshop on Energy Reform this week, highlighting the need for a new Independent Energy Regulator in Solomon Islands.  

In a keynote speech, Turner welcomes 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 Solomons. 

Turner underlined that solar was a source of power that should be utilised more, and the new Regulator would encourage more solar IPPs. 

He said that the current grid system which was 90 percent diesel generated was untenable both economically and environmentally. 

Solomons must look beyond diesel for cleaner, cheaper power on and off grid.

The UK has deployed British experts to help the Ministry of Mines and Energy with the drafting of new legislation for an Independent Regulator.

The workshop on Wednesday 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 Energy and Mines welcomes UK’s contribution and stressed the need to keep up the momentum on reforms in the energy sector.  

Turner said the process is taking time but progress is also being made.

Photo: Supplied

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