BY CHRIS ALEX
Polycarp Paea, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, (MECDM) stressed on one of the country’s major rural challenges – access to energy.
He spoke about this at the signing of solar projects for 25 constituencies at the Chinese embassy on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Paea said the occasion marks the official handover of the first 25 upgraded 5-kilowatt solar systems to the first 25 selected members of parliament, and it represents far more than just the transfer of solar technology.
“It signifies the transfer of hope, opportunity, and resilience to our rural communities,” he said.
The minister emphasised on the significant challenges the country faces in expanding reliable and affordable energy access, especially in rural areas.
“Over 70 percent of our population still lives in rural regions where access to the national grid is either limited or completely absent.
“This leaves many communities reliant on expensive diesel generators, which not only burden families and businesses but also contributes to the broader environmental challenges we face, including rising greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
With climate change exacerbating vulnerabilities, including rising sea levels, stronger cyclones, and unpredictable weather patterns, Paea stressed on the necessity of renewable energy.
“In the context of our country’s vulnerability to climate change, renewable energy is not a choice, it is a necessity for both sustainable development and climate resilience,” he said.
The solar projects is set to provide 5-kilowatt solar systems to power health facilities, schools, community halls, and constituency offices.
It aims to change the lives of people in the remote rural areas where access to electricity isn’t the usual norm.
Paea also pointed out that the systems will reduce the Solomon Islands’ reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the nation’s climate action goals.
“This initiative not only supports local communities but also contributes to our commitment to the Paris Agreement, specifically our target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” he added.
Acknowledging the partnership with China, the minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China for its financial support in making the project possible.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Solomon Islands, I sincerely acknowledge the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China for its generous support,” Paea said.
The minister voiced that the initiative is much more than simply powering buildings.
“For the ministers and members of parliament who will receive these systems today, this is not just about powering offices or buildings. It’s about empowering your constituencies with clean, reliable energy that will improve education, enhance health services, strengthen livelihoods, and bring communities together in safety and dignity,” he said.
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