Locations
Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific
VANUATU GREEN TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
Green Transformation initiative
About the Project
The Vanuatu Green Transformation (VGET) project is part of a Japan-funded more than US $37 million Green Transformation initiative, which is also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Samoa to help accelerate their transition to a green and low-carbon future. US$ 4.62 million of these funds have been allocated to Vanuatu.
Vanuatu’s 2017 census indicates that 71 percent of the nation’s roughly 280,000 people lack access to electricity. As per the census, over half of those off-grid households have no access to power besides a solar lantern. In its National Energy Road Map (NERM), the country aims to achieve 100 percent electrification with renewable energy by 2030.
Through the Pacific Green Transformation Project, pico-hydro power stations will be established at Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimat on Pentecost Island to provide reliable energy sources in communities and also to contribute to the government’s efforts in achieving its NERM commitment benefiting 2,366 people directly and 6,000 indirectly.
Key Issues
According to the latest Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) energy update, 80% of the concession area's energy source is non-renewable or diesel.
According to the Post PAM Mini-Census Report, only 30% of the population have access to a reliable energy source, and 70%, including those in remote rural areas, need more access to secure and reliable energy services.
Vanuatu’s 2017 census indicates that 71% of the nation’s roughly 300,000 people lack access to grid electricity.
Key Planned Objectives
- To contribute to the achievement of the National Energy Road Map (NERM), i.e. 100% electrification with renewable energy by 2030, through the installation of at least 3 pico hydro projects·
- To increase access to clean energy in remote off-grid areas of Vanuatu and strengthen resilience of rural communities through renewable energy sources·
- To ensure operational sustainability of the newly installed renewable energy systems through strengthened capacity of national and local government in operation and maintenance
Achievements
- Site assessment of eight pico hydro sites in remote locations have been completed. Four sites have been identified as highly suitable sites while further investigation is required in the remaining four sites. The Detailed Design of the four identified potential sites, aligning to stakeholder consultations and in close coordination with the Department of Energy, encompassed additional communities within the vicinity of the proposed pico hydro stations by expansion of electrical networks.
- Development of a site-specific comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plans for four target sites have been completed outlining measures to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and enhance positive outcomes, building on results of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments conducted in 2023.
- The Environment Permits and Water Works Permits to conduct civil constructions and water works for the four sites have been received.
- The Invitation to Bid (ITB) for construction and installation of pico hydro systems in four target locations (the three priority sites and an additional site as a backup) has been published.
Expected Outcomes
Impact
Impact
Publications
Photo Gallery
Contact Information
Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET)
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Joint Presence Office
Level 4, Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
Rue Mercet, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Tel: (678) 27709
Mobile: (678) 5507278/ 5545236
imran.khan@undp.org