Vanuatu Energy Storage Photovoltaic

The project aims to support the use of solar power and battery storage on the islands of Efate and Tanna, boosting Vanuatu's energy independence and climate resilience. New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, confirmed the country's commitment during a press conference held in Port Vila on Wednesday.

With this project, 17,000 households throughout Vanuatu will be supported to access non grid, renewable electricity through solar. With low population densities and large distances between communities, a key challenge for the project has been providing access to electricity in a way that is cost effective and efficient.

Vanuatu currently has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world. Under the RESSET project, New Zealand will serve as the lead donor, providing the majority of funding for the installation of solar arrays and battery storage systems on Efate, near Port Vila, and the island of Tanna.

The New Zealand Government is increasing its support for Vanuatu's climate and energy priorities through a major investment in the Renewable Energy Solar and Storage on Efate and Tanna (RESSET) project. This initiative responds directly to Vanuatu's national climate goals and energy needs by improving access to clean and reliable electricity.

The country's population of around 599,000 suffer from frequent power outages and very expensive electricity costs. Diesel power is the most type of energy used in the country, which results in costs as high as one US dollar per kilowatt hour. In the Soloman Island's distant neighbor of Vanuatu, things are not much better.

We are pleased to announce that New Zealand will also be the lead donor to RESSET, a renewable energy project on Efate and Tanna. Together with initiatives like these, we continue to work together to build resilience in Vanuatu's long-term development,” Mr. Peters said.