Achievements

• Project Development and Planning:

  • Site Assessments: Eight remote locations were assessed for pico hydro potential between March 15 and April 15, 2024. Four sites were identified as suitable for further development, while the remaining four required additional investigation.
  • Detailed Design: Detailed designs for the four priority sites were developed from May 1 to June 30, 2024, in close collaboration with the Department of Energy and local stakeholders. The designs included expanding electrical networks to reach nearby communities.
  • Environmental and Social Management Plans: Site-specific plans were completed between July 1 and November 30, 2024, outlining measures to address potential environmental and social impacts. These plans built upon the results of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments conducted in December 2023.
  • Permits: The Environment Permits and Water Works Permits were received on September 15, 2024, allowing for civil construction and water works at the four sites.
  • Invitation to Bid: The ITB for constructing pico hydro systems was published in April 2024 inviting bids for the three priority sites (Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat) and an additional site (Nambwarangiut) as a backup.

• Project Implementation:

  • Community Engagement: Another round of community visits were conducted from July 11 to 19, 2024, to assess energy needs and willingness to pay. The data collected was analysed to inform the project design and implementation.
  • Contract Signing: A contract was signed with ENCO Private Limited on August 26, 2024, for the construction of hydropower systems at Waterfall and Melsisi sites.
  • Contractor Mobilization: The contractor mobilized to Vanuatu on October 20, 2024, and set to begin site establishment, control point creation, topography surveys, and powerhouse design by November 30, 2024.
  • Performance Guarantees: The contractor provided performance guarantees to Fiji CO on September 30, 2024, committing to complete construction on time and with zero defects, monitored over a year post completion in August 2025.
  • Larimaat ITB: The evaluation of the Larimaat Pico Hydro project's Invitation to Bid (ITB) has been finalized. The evaluation case will now be submitted to UNDP's Procurement Oversight and Procurement Review Committees for review and endorsement. Following their approval, the contract is expected to be issued in November 2024.

• Capacity Development and Planning:

  • Socio-Economic Evaluability Assessment: The SEEA was conducted by a third-party evaluator in September 2024. The report will assess the project's contribution to climate targets and the protection of vulnerable communities.
  • Capacity Development Plan: The development of the capacity development plan, including its detailed action plan, is expected to be completed by November 30, 2024. The plan underwent a stakeholder consultation in August 2024.
  • Community-Based Management System: The development of the CBMS for managing and operating the three sites, including a prepaid voucher system, is expected to be finalized by November 30, 2024.