Projects – South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project (STREP)

The South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project (STREP), implemented by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) through Phases 1 and 2, marks a significant step in Kiribati’s transition toward sustainable and resilient energy systems. By harnessing the country’s abundant solar resources, the project reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels while strengthening energy security. Phase 1 laid the groundwork through the installation of modern solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and critical infrastructure upgrades, while Phase 2 builds on this foundation with expanded renewable capacity, advanced battery storage, floating solar PV installations, upgraded transmission lines, and the introduction of an electric vehicle network.

Construction activities under STREP continue to make steady progress. As of the October 2025 update, work on PV arrays and panels at the STREP and South Tarawa Water Supply Project (STWSP) sites in Bonriki is nearing completion. Current efforts are focused on finalizing transformer and cable connectivity, as well as completing the Control Centre building. Remaining works include the installation of switching gear, computerized systems, and commissioning activities, which are scheduled over the next four to six months.

The project’s full generation potential will be realized once a new 33 kV transmission line under STREP Phase 2 is completed. Following a failed tender earlier in 2025, the transmission poles bidding process has been re-opened, with the submission deadline extended to 22 January 2026. Bidders from the previous round remain eligible, and construction is expected to begin later in the year after the successful bidder is selected, with award and mobilization anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

Upon commissioning of the Control Centre and completion of the new transmission line, PUB aims to achieve up to 2 MW of solar PV penetration, raising the renewable energy share to around 20% as an initial milestone by 2027, with further increases planned thereafter. In parallel, STREP continues to uphold strong environmental and social safeguards, as reflected in the release of Safeguards Monitoring Report No. 8 covering January to June 2025. Overall, STREP is positioning South Tarawa for a cleaner, more reliable, and climate-resilient energy future while supporting economic growth and sustainable development.