What is Vanuatu's New solar farm?

Set to be constructed by the Vanuatu Electricity Authority (VEA) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union (EU), this solar farm boasts a capacity of 5 megawatts. Upon completion, it is expected to produce 7,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power around 2,000 local homes.

How much does solar PV cost in Vanuatu?

The NAMA cost estimates are based on Scaling Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries – Investment Plan for Vanuatu (CIF, 2014) which estimated an average capital cost of US$10,500 per installed kW of solar PV for remote sites in Vanuatu.

Does Vanuatu have a good solar energy resource?

Vanuatu generally has a good solar energy resource for all islands. Vanuatu’s Meteorological Services has collected solar insolation data at several sites for many years using high-quality pyranometers.

Does Vanuatu have horizontal solar insolation?

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is publishing a Global Atlas for Renewable Energy which includes broad, indicative data for horizontal solar insolation for Vanuatu based largely on the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite data that has been gathered over the past thirty years.

Why is Efate launching a large-scale solar farm in Vanuatu?

The launch of Efate’s large-scale solar farm is a landmark achievement in Vanuatu’s stride towards complete sustainability in energy production. This project is set to positively influence the local environment, economy, and the daily lives of Efate’s residents.

Is solar PV a viable option for other islands of Vanuatu?

Options for other islands of Vanuatu. At this time, solar PV is recommended as the only practical and cost effective option for these particular islands as it is the only significant resource available that is known from experience elsewhere to be sustainable for energy production in remote rural villages.