Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP) Phase 2 will Power Higher Needs for Rural Areas

The Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP) Phase 2 is expected to benefit another 8,950 rural households.

Early this month, the Department of Energy has secured US$14.1 miillion Funding for VREP Phase 2 from SREP, New Zealand Government and World Bank IDA for the next 5 years. The Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP) aims to increase access to electricity services for consumers in rural areas throughout the country where  they do not have access to electricity or afford to have access through a grid connected system. By the end of VREP Phase 2 in 2022, the project expects to electrify over 8,950 households including public institutions and businesses, approximately 45,000 people throughout the country. Combining VREP I and II, it is expected that 85% of rural households in Vanuatu will be be connected via the Vanuatu Rural Electrification Program. 

VREP Phase 1 is targeting provision of subsidy to 17,500 households, 2,000 community halls and 230 aid posts throughout the country. Phase 2 will provide Solar Home Systems, micro and minigrids which are able to power higher needs of the customers in rural areas. For more information, visit the Department of Energy website at www.doe.vu.