The machine, which when assembled will be 75m long, will dig the 3.3km-long headrace tunnel through gravel and sandstone. The 3.3m-diameter tunnel will connect the dam to the powerhouse.
Tunnelling is expected to commence before the end of the year.
The project is the Soloman Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy venture. Once complete in early 2028, the 5MW-capacity hydro power station will meet about 70% of the electricity demand of Honiara and surroundings annually.
The project also involves the construction of a 71.5m-high dam, temporary and permanent access roads, and transmission lines. The powerhouse, with its three turbines, will be located about 5.4km downstream from the dam.
