High fuel costs push Rabi communities towards solar energy

High fuel costs are pushing communities on Rabi Island towards solar energy, with one community leader saying the cost of running generators is outweighing household income and savings.

Tabiang Methodist Church and community leader Tekata Toaisi said solar electrification was becoming a priority as residents looked for a more affordable and reliable source of energy.

Rabi Island comprises four villages: Tabiang, Uma, Tabiang, Buakonikai and Tabwewa.

Mr Toaisi said while villagers owned generators, their monthly fuel costs outweighed their income or savings.

Recent uncertainties over fuel prices, triggered by ongoing war tensions between the United States of America (USA) and Iran, had also led villagers to explore greater reliance on solar energy.

"The cost of fuel to be shipped to Rabi is expensive, so reliance is mostly on solar energy," he said.

The majority of households in the island’s four villages have solar systems for lighting, charging phones and powering church musical instruments, among other uses.

Church secures $4500 system

The Tabiang Methodist Church community recently received assistance through the multi-ethnic grant, enabling it to secure a solar system worth $4500.

With 80 church members, the solar system will be used to power musical instruments.

"This was our first assistance and we want to apply for more solar initiative project assistances either from Government or Non-Government organisations (NGOs)," he reiterated.

Mr Toaisi said young people could also take advantage of opportunities to learn technical skills in solar installation.

He said greater awareness of solar electrification should be encouraged in other rural and maritime communities.

Mr Toaisi also suggested that families with business ideas invest in larger solar-powered systems to help grow Rabi’s local economy.

He said reliable electricity was essential for businesses and that solar electrification provided an alternative energy source.