Efforts to boost renewable energy and improve electricity supply on Santo Island are moving steadily ahead, with construction on the new hydro power station progressing well, despite minor delays.

During a recent site visit, Director of Energy Anthony Garae told VBTC News that more than 30 percent of construction work is already complete.

“Based on the latest update, the project is still in its construction phase. It began from the convention stage to the power house. So far, 37.1% of the work has been achieved. The scheduled completion date is March 27. Although there was a delay due to design modifications, the contractor remains hopeful that the project will be completed on time — depending on cyclone and rainy season risks,” he explained.

The new hydro power station is also being built with future demand in mind. The infrastructure includes foundations for additional turbines or engines to be installed later, if electricity demand increases on the island.

“They are currently working on the power house foundation, which will host two turbines — one with a capacity of 500KW. The opposite side of the site has been prepared for a potential future upgrade,” Garae added.

The Government of Japan has committed over 3 billion vatu to fund the construction of the hydro power station as part of broader efforts to support Vanuatu’s shift toward renewable energy.