Established in VANUATU since 1939, over the years UNELCO has become a professional and innovative company.
Jehan Brieuc Morault explores the potential for installing an electricity network in Port Vila.
1st concession agreement for a period of 40 years covering Port Vila
Commissioning of the first diesel power station equipped with 2 Baudouin generators, 20 and 32 kW respectively.
cyclone AMANDA
UNELCO supplies approximately 400,000 kWh to its 300 customers with a peak output of 145 kW. Within 10 years, the peak output increased to 680 kW and the energy consumption to 2.5 million kWh for 680 customers.
The New Hebrides authorities award UNELCO an extension of its contract for 10 years.
Solar Installation in Pentecote
First try Coprah Oil
A new concession agreement is negotiated with the Government of Vanuatu for a period of 15 years.
Following the country’s accession to independence, the company changed from SA (Société Anonyme or corporation) to SARL (Société Anonyme à Responsabilité Limitée or limited liability company). The company name was changed to UNELCO - UNION ELECTRIQUE DU VANUATU LIMITED.
Establishment of a 2nd operation in Santo with the take-over of the thermal power station from the Compagnie Electrique de Santo and the associated concession agreement for a term of 20 years. The Government acquires 9.5% shareholding in the capital of UNELCO.
UNELCO is awarded the contract for the supply of water in Port Vila. The Government increases its shareholding in UNELCO to 14.40%. Water is supplied through a pumping station.
Management of the Sarakata hydro-power station (Santo) for and on behalf of the Government, comprising two 300 kW turbines, a project that was funded by Japan (JICA).
Launching of the first ‘cross-country run’ known as La Piste Bleue
Construction of the Tagabe power station in Port Vila, with a total output of 8 000 kW.
The Government awards two further concessions to UNELCO, being Tanna and Malekula, for a term of 20 years.
Tanna
The Government withdraws from its shareholding in UNELCO.
First use of bio-fuel with 5% coconut oil.
confirmation of the use of bio-fuel with 15% coconut oil.
Commissioning of the first wind engine on a trial basis (275 kVA) on the Kawene plateau at Devil’s Point.
Thanks to its use of coconut oil as a source of fuel, UNELCO is awarded the « Trophée de l’Innovation de ENGIE » (ENGIE Innovation Trophy), for its contribution to one of the major objectives of the Group, namely innovating new generation resources with minimum environmental impact.
launching of a rural electrification pilot project for supplying a village, Port Orly (Santo), using renewable energy based on coconut oil.
Commissioning of the windfarm at Devil’s Point with 11 wind-engines, Vergnet make, (with a total output of 3 025 KVA). This power station can produce 15% of the power consumption in the Port Vila concession.
Establishment of the Utilities Regulatory Authority pursuant to the URA Act 2007.
Le Gouvernement ne renouvelle pas le contrat de Concession a UNELCO à Luganville et octroie à une nouvelle société VUI (Vanuatu Utilities & Infrastructure) un contrat d’exploitation et maintenance pour 8 mois. Premières installations de production solaires mises en service à Tagabé (Mai 2011), Tanna (Octobre 2011) et Malicollo (décembre 2012)
Mise en application d’une révision tarifaire, suite à la décision d’un tribunal arbitral à Melbourne. Le prix de l’électricité baisse de 7.1 % ;
UNELCO remporte le trophée du Meilleur Producteur et Distributeur d’eau du Pacifique (performance de Benchmarking)
Extension des zones de concessions de l’exploitation de Tanna et Malekula
extension of the electric concession area to the whole island of Efate
VNPF takes a 14.4% stake in UNELCO PAM
Undine Bay solar farm set up
Commissioning of the XANT 3-propeller wind turbine (100 kW), in Kawene
commissioning of the Kawene solar farm (1 MWp)
signature of the extension of the water service concession area
VNPF shareholder of UNELCO up to 40%
Extension of the Water concession in Téouma Ville
VNPF shareholder of UNELCO at 49%
end of the Tanna and Mallicolo concession contract
The launch of the new MIRIDIMETA service
Extension of the electricity network in MALAFAU
Extension of the electricity network in ETAS 1
Extension of the electricity network in METEN
Signing of the extension of the water supply concession in the TEOUMA valley
