Name of the Project
Brenwe hydropower project (BHPP).

Location
Brenwei river, in Malekula, in Vanuatu.

Project Owner/s
Vanuatu Department of Energy.

Project Description
The project forms part of the Vanuatu: Energy Access Project.

The BHPP will include a run-of-river hydropower station producing 422 kW from twin impulse turbines.

The project comprises an intake weir, a 1 km headrace canal, a forebay/surge structure, a 190 m steel penstock, a turbine powerhouse, switchgear and a transformer, a tailrace and 2 km of access roads from the public highway to the project site.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project is estimated at $139-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The project broke ground in May 2021 and is expected to take 24 months to complete.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
New Zealand joint venture, MAPs/Vortex (construction contract).

Contact Details for Project Information
Vanuatu Department of Energy, email doe@vanuatu.gov.vu.