Grace Wate Kikiribatu is the Managing Engineer with Pacific Clean Energy Partners. Based in the Solomon Islands, Grace has worked with Solomon Power for more than two decades to help design and manage the country’s electrical power grid, its testing, and regulatory systems.
As the Regulatory Manager at Solomon Power, Grace oversaw the planning and management of regulatory activities and staff, as well as the monitoring of results, and coordinated policy, standards, and regulatory activities in the Solomon Islands relating to the country’s renewable energy and energy efficiency framework. An upgrade to the revenue metering system that she managed resulted in a significant reduction of non-technical losses and an increase in revenue. Grace’s other accomplishments included setting minimum compliance standards for imported electrical apparatus into the Solomon Islands and assisting with amendments to the country’s Electricity Regulations to ensure relevance to current electrical standards and practices.
As the Regulatory Engineer for Solomon Power, Grace oversaw the installation and commissioning of renewable energy systems, including the assessment of tender documentation, feasibility studies for solar and hybrid projects, and development of policies and procedures for the utility’s renewable energy framework. She developed manuals for solar grid connection, electrical connection, and metering systems, and carried out programming, testing, installation, calibration, and repair of single- and three-phase electricity meters and metering equipment. In addition, she led safety-focused activities such as monitoring, documentation, and awareness raising to reduce electrocution incidents and other accidents associated with the electricity system.
Grace holds an Associate Degree in Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, with a major in electrical engineering and electronics, and an Electrical Trade Certificate.