The Solomon Islands government says the Tina River Hydro project is on track for the signing of a power purchase agreement this year.
The Minister for Energy David Day Pacha says it is the most important renewable energy project in the country.
Mr Pacha says the final detailed design is on schedule for submission to the government next month.
He says there have been several engineering teams from the developer consortium in-country since December finalising construction plans.
The Minister says environmental and social impact studies completed in 2014 are also being updated and reviewed, and a study has been conducted to make sure that assets such as gardens and crops are properly identified with their owners, for the purposes of replacement.
Tina River in Solomon Islands. Photo: Tina River Hydro Project
Mr Pacha says the aim is to finalise a power purchase agreement between Solomon Power and Korean Water, the selected developer, in the latter half of the year, with construction beginning shortly afterwards.
The Deputy Project Manager for Tina Hydro has confirmed that a tender for the detailed design of the 12 kilometre access road to the site, has reached advanced stages of procurement, with two international firms shortlisted.
Tina Hydro is projected to produce more than enough to meet the annual energy demands of Honiara.
