Tanna Island, Vanuatu, February 6th, 2024 – Residents of Isangel and Blackman town on Tanna, Vanuatu were overjoyed with excitement as His Excellency Johnny Koanapo, the Minister of Internal Affairs commissioned the island’s first solar-powered water supply system as part of the “Scaling up Climate resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water,” program.
Through funding support from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the project on Tanna introduces a cutting-edge system set to provide reliable and easy water access for 700 households in the two communities. The solar-powered water supply system is designed to deliver 140 cubic meters of water daily while generating 32kw of electricity from solar panels.
The system in Tanna is part of a program that installed solar-powered water systems at 38 sites in Vanuatu from 2018 – 2021 (Phase I) and 2021 – 2024 (Phase II), reaching 20,000 people in mostly rural communities.
While officiating at the event, HE Johnny Koanapo expressed his heartfelt gratitude stating “the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and GGGI were instrumental in their roles to deliver the project which provides water to over 3600 people in the area.” He underscored the transformative impact of the project, highlighting that “this symbolizes a new era of prosperity and resilience, and Tanna Island stands as a testament to the collective effort towards a more sustainable and resilient future.”
The Isangel site, a key component of both Phases I and II, boasts the largest solar power supply of 32,000 watts, featuring the installation of 64 solar panels, water meters, and two submersible pumps facilitating the delivery of 140 cubic meters of water.
GGGI Deputy Country Representative, Vanuatu Mohammad Ali Shaikh outlined that the “Scaling up Climate Resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water,” program was initiated in 2018 and a total of 38 sites were earmarked for assistance under the program.
He added “the project encompasses vital elements such as capacity building, replication mechanisms, and guidelines for the safe disposal of solar PV panels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.”
Last week, the Taloa Solar Water Pump Project on Nguna Island was officially handed over to the Taloa Community by GGGI, marking a turning point for over 700 islanders.
These remarkable achievements signal not only the successful collaboration between nations and organizations but also the tangible impact of renewable energy solutions in fostering resilience and progress in vulnerable communities across the Pacific islands.
