TA-10356 REG: Developing Markets and Public-Private Partnership Projects in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations and Small Island Developing States - Load and Generation Study Consultant - Firm (SOL: Solar PV Project) (58378-001)

Date Published: 05-Aug-2026

Deadline of Submitting EOI: 20-Aug-2026 04:00 PM Manila local time

SELECTION PROFILE

Consultant Type: Firm

Selection Method: Simplified Consultants' Qualifications Selection (SCQS)

Selection Title: Developing Markets and Public-Private Partnership Projects in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations and Small Island Developing States

Package Name: Load and Generation Study Consultant - Firm (SOL: Solar PV Project)

Engagement Period: 3MONTH

Consulting Services Budget: USD 70,000

Source: International

Technical Proposal: Single-Stage Proposal (SSP)

Approval Number: 10356

Approval Date: 17-Oct-2024

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country of assignment: Solomon Islands

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Primary Expertise: Engineering - Renewable Energy (solar)

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP), Asian Development Bank, is supporting the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) for the development of a grid-connected solar PV project in Honiara, Solomon Islands (“the Project”). SIEA is a vertically integrated, state-owned utility responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the Solomon Islands, and the Project forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on diesel-based generation and expand the share of renewable energy in the national power mix. The Project is expected to be developed under a public-private partnership structure, whereby a private sector sponsor selected through a competitive tender process will be responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the Project. The electricity generated by the Project is expected to be sold to SIEA under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).SIEA has identified potential sites for the development of a utility‑scale, grid‑connected solar photovoltaic power plant within the Honiara area. The indicative capacity of the Project is expected to be in the range of approximately 10 to 20 MW, reflecting land availability, expected demand, and preliminary considerations of grid absorption capacity. The final selection of the site (s), installed capacity, and technical configuration of the Project will be determined during the Project preparation phase, based on detailed technical and grid integration assessments.ADB has been mandated to provide Transaction Advisory Services to SIEA for the Project, covering the Project preparation phase, tendering and procurement, and support through commercial and financial close. ADB’s support includes technical, legal, commercial, financial, environmental, and social advisory services, consistent with international best practices for privately financed power projects.In parallel with the Project preparation activities, SIEA is seeking to better understand the implications of future electricity demand growth, increasing penetration of distributed solar generation in the Honiara power system. In this context, ADB intends to procure the services of technical consulting firm or a consortium of firms (the Consultant) to assess the appropriate capacity, timing, and phasing of the Project. The Consultant will review available data and studies, evaluate load growth and generation scenarios, assess grid absorption capacity and potential solar curtailment, and estimate implications for generation costs and tariffs.SCOPE OF WORKThe Consultant shall undertake a load and generation study for the Honiara power system to assess the potential curtailment of the Project under different load growth and generation scenarios and provide recommendations on capacity, timing, and phasing of the Project.The Scope of Work described below is based on the current understanding of the Project and may be refined or adjusted subject to the confirmation of the Project structure, sequencing of advisory services, and decisions by ADB and SIEA during the Project preparation and marketing. The Scope of Work shall include, but not be limited to, the following:1. Review existing studies, load forecasts, generation data, system operating information, planned generation and energy storage facilities and other relevant data, and establish assumptions, methodologies, and input parameters for the load and generation study. 2. In consultation with ADB, SIEA, and relevant stakeholders, develop and agree on a matrix of demand growth, self-generation, and distributed solar penetration scenarios to be assessed, including reasonable sensitivities where appropriate. 3. Develop a load balance and generation dispatch model for the Honiara power system and assess system operations under the agreed scenarios from 2026 to 2040 (or over agreed planning horizon), including the interaction between existing and planned generation facilities, distributed solar generation, and potential future utility-scale solar PV projects. 4. Assess and report, for each scenario, generation dispatch, the contribution of different generation sources, potential solar curtailment, and the implications for generation costs for SIEA in the Honiara grid. 5. Based on the findings of the study, provide recommendations to ADB, SIEA, and other stakeholders on the appropriate capacity, timing, sequencing, and phasing of future solar PV development, together with any key considerations relating to grid integration, system reliability, and implementation planning. 6. Identify the interconnection points for each proposed solar generator(s) and BESS and propose any required upgrades to SIEA’s existing: • network; • protection system; and • to align with current international practices and provide a tangible benefit to the stability and security of the network. 7. Suggest suitable sizing of the BESS required at the solar project sites keeping in mind the grid capacity, the load profile of the grid and the solar generation. Recommend the services that the BESS would be able to be used for at these sites.All deliverables and key outputs shall be developed in English and submitted in soft copies to ADB. Key members of the consulting firm(s) shall have the ability to conduct meetings and discussions in English.The Consultant shall prepare highlights and/or minutes of all relevant major meetings and other consultations.ADB shall confirm with SIEA the availability of existing data and report prior to engagement of the Consultant.