South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project (STREP)

STREP 1 continues to make good progress with the recent ground-breaking of the Bonriki PV site. Completion of fencing works is ongoing, while one landowner dispute is being attended with the land department, which could impact the fence line. Fencing is being constructed and installation of photovoltaic panels is expected to commence very soon. Plans for STREP 2 are advancing and a further package of funding (STREP 3) is subject to discussion, especially around PUB priority needs and how best to allocate the funds available. STREP 2 has been delayed following MFAT withdrawal of the co-financing arrangement. Still, ADB has secured additional funds and the essential works program, the floating solar (FPV) and the 33kva overhead cable upgrade, will proceed. The major contract for works has been prepared and will likely open to the market in late September, with closure and commencement of work in Q2 2025. ADB and PUB are in discussions for the overhead cable to be smart, which means major network assets will be connected via fibre, for real-time data and fault monitoring.