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Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station
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The Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station on Espiritu Santo island is Vanuatu's first and most significant renewable energy project. Constructed between 1994 and 1995, the facility was funded by the Japanese government through an official development assistance program. With a total installed capacity of approximately 1.2 megawatts, the station provides a substantial portion of the electricity needs for Luganville, the nation's second-largest city. By harnessing the flow of the Sarakata River, Vanuatu has successfully reduced its reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels for power generation. A unique feature of this project is that profits from electricity sales are channeled into a Rural Electrification Fund to support energy access in remote areas. Major upgrades were completed in 2008 and 2018 to enhance turbine efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (76 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station provides most of the electricity for Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city. It reduces dependence on expensive imported diesel fuel and promotes renewable energy use on Santo island.
Visiting
The power station site is a secured industrial complex and not open to the public. However, from the nearby road or riverbank you can see the enclosure and water diversion structures.
Where to view it
Good views of the hydro plant and the Sarakata River can be had from the bridge on Sarakata Road. From here you can see the intake structure and the penstocks running down the slope.
Local products
The power station itself produces no material goods, only electrical energy. However, in the Luganville area visitors can buy local agricultural products like cocoa, coffee, and tropical fruits.
Active season
The power station operates year-round, with peak electricity generation during the wet season (November to April) due to higher water flow. It continuously provides base-load power even during dry periods.
Nearby
Combine the viewing with a visit to the Luganville market and the historic WWII US military base on Santo. A trip to Champagne Beach or the Millennium Caves is also recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Commissioning of the first phase occurred in 1995
- Total capacity of 1.2 MW provided by three turbines
- Funded by Japanese Grant Aid through JICA
- Reduced electricity costs in Luganville by roughly 20%
- Major maintenance and expansion completed in 2018
- Profits are reinvested in the Rural Electrification Fund
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Sarakata hydro power plant?
It is an industrial facility; tourist visits are not planned.
Where is the power plant located?
It is located on the island of Espiritu Santo, near Luganville.
What is the purpose of the facility?
The power plant sustainably provides a large part of the energy for Luganville.
Is the area around the power plant beautiful?
Yes, the river landscape of the Sarakata River is very green and easy on the eye.
Can you hike there?
The riverside areas offer beautiful opportunities for short walks in nature.
Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station: where is it located?
Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Vanuatu.
Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station on Espiritu Santo island is Vanuatu's first and most significant renewable energy project.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Bomber No. 2 Wreck
The well-preserved wreck of a US bomber from World War II, located near Luganville.
Unity Park Luganville
Unity Park is the central public green space and event venue in the city of Luganville.
Luganville Quonset Huts
These distinctive corrugated iron huts are remnants of the massive US military presence in Luganville during the Pacific War.
Luganville Municipal Market
The main market of Luganville on Espiritu Santo island is a vital commercial hub for the region.
Luganville Market House
The main trading hub in Luganville, essential for the distribution of fresh food across Espiritu Santo.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
🗺️
Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
🗺️
Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
🗺️
Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
🗺️
Nanda Blue Hole
A natural limestone spring with crystal-clear water, forming an isolated ecosystem for freshwater life.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
🗺️
Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
More places
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
🗺️
Shark Bay Coconut Oil Factory
A processing plant on Espiritu Santo producing high-quality coconut oil from copra for export and local use.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.