British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru Paul Turner highlighted the need for a new independent energy regulator in Solomon Islands at a National Stakeholder Workshop on energy reform.
In his keynote speech, High Commission Paul Turner welcomed the government's vision for a more accessible and affordable electricity sector, saying the establishment of a new Regulator will enable more Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to provide electricity in Solomon Islands.
The High Commissioner underlined that solar was a source of power that should be utilised more, and the new Regulator would encourage more solar IPPs.
He said the current grid system which was 90% diesel generated was untenable both economically and environmentally. Solomon Islands must look beyond diesel for cleaner, cheaper power on and off grid.
The UK has deployed British experts to help the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification with the drafting of a new legislation for an Independent Regulator.
The workshop on Wednesday 18 February canvassed views on the new legislative framework with participants from across government and other public agencies, including Solomon Power .
Members of the donor-diplomatic community were also present, including the World Bank and ADB who are working with the UK.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification welcomed the UK contribution and stressed the need to keep up the momentum on reforms in the energy sector. High Commissioner Turner said the process was taking time, but progress was being made.
