Honiara, Solomon Islands, May 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has convened a series of stakeholder consultations and a Stakeholder Kick-Off Workshop in Honiara for the proposed Solomon Islands Renewable Energy Fund (SIRE Fund). 

The consultations brought together government ministries and agencies, development partners, financial institutions, private sector representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of rural electrification and renewable energy financing in Solomon Islands. The proposed SIRE Fund aims to establish a sustainable and nationally coordinated financing mechanism to support renewable energy development, particularly in rural and remote communities where access to electricity remains limited. Current assessments from MMERE indicate that less than 10% of the rural population has adequate access to electricity. 

In his opening remarks, MMERE Deputy Director of the Energy Division, Mr. Richard Bapo, emphasized that “the SIRE Fund is not just about building infrastructure. It is explicitly designed to ensure long-term sustainability by promoting community ownership and unlocking private sector engagement.”

GGGI highlighted the importance of strengthening long-term coordination, improving access to financing, and enhancing institutional arrangements to support Solomon Islands’ rural electrification and renewable energy priorities. The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to draw lessons from regional experiences, particularly from Fiji and Vanuatu, on renewable energy financing mechanisms and governance models. 

Discussions throughout the consultations underscored the need for sustainable financing arrangements, viable business models, and stronger coordination among government, development partners, and communities. Stakeholders also shared experiences from existing renewable energy initiatives, including mini- and micro-hydro systems and solar mini-grid projects, contributing valuable insights to the proposed fund’s design. 

GGGI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Solomon Islands Government, MMERE, development partners, and stakeholders to advance climate resilience, renewable energy transition, and sustainable development priorities in the country. 

The outcomes of the consultations will inform the ongoing Phase 1 development of the proposed SIRE Fund and contribute to broader efforts to strengthen long-term renewable energy access and resilience in Solomon Islands. 

MMERE acknowledged the continued support from GGGI and development partners towards advancing Solomon Islands’ renewable energy and rural electrification priorities.