Solomon Islands secures funding for biogas energy project

The Solomon Islands has successfully secured USD1.58 million (€1.5m/12.8m SBD) for the SENBIOSIS Project (Sustainable Energy from Biogas in Solomon Islands) at the 18th Joint Committee Meeting of the Cooperation Programme of the Governments of the Pacific Small Island Developing States and the Governments of Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Spain.
The approval followed the submission and formal presentation of the project by the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations during the Joint Committee's annual meeting held at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations on 24th October in New York.
The SENBIOSIS Project aims to promote access to clean and renewable energy in rural areas of the Solomon Islands through the installation of biogas plants.
These plants will convert organic waste into renewable energy for cooking and electricity generation, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and firewood.
A key component of the project is the establishment of a revolving fund, a sustainable financial mechanism designed to support the installation of biogas plants through subsidised loans.
This approach will enhance affordability, ensure long-term sustainability, and enable wider community participation beyond the initial project phase.
The project will be jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.
The Development Bank of Solomon Islands will manage the project's revolving fund component.
The core funding for the SENBIOSIS Project is provided by the Government of Italy, through its Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, and is the fourth project from which the Solomon Islands has benefited under the Cooperation Programme — a partnership arrangement involving Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Spain.
It supports the development priorities of Pacific Small Island Developing States.
This partnership is maintained and facilitated through the respective Permanent Missions based in New York. Previous projects included electrification of several national secondary schools across the country.