MoU signed for geothermal power project in Tanna, Vanuatu
Fumaroles on Mount Yasur, Tanna, Vanuatu (source: Phillip Capper, CC BY 2.0 
Carlo Cariaga
22 Apr 2026
The Government of Vanuatu has signed an MoU with EGX Fuels for a geothermal power proejct in the island of Tanna, centered on the Mount Yusur volcano.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Government of Vanuatu, the Vanuatu National Pension Fund (VNPF), and EGX Fuels Exploration for a geothermal power project in the island of Tanna in Vanuatu.
The geothermal power project is to be centered around the Mount Yasur volcano and is supported by more than a year of technical studies.
EGX Fuels had previously been granted a three-year prospecting license by the Geology and Mines Unit of Vanuatu for the Tanna site. Surface studies were done by Australian company Moombarriga Geoscience, which consisted of ground temperature measurements, heat flow surveys, seismic surveys, magnetic and electric surveys, and measurement of naturally occurring gas emissions.
Based on the results of the technical studies, a potential of 40 MW of geothermal power development has been estimated in Tanna. Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo had also previously stated that the interest of EGX Fuels also extends to Efate and other location across Vanuatu.
According to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MoFEM), the involvement of the VNPF ensures that the people of Vanuatu will benefit and directly participate in this national investment.
“As the first geothermal project of its kind in the Pacific, this development represents a significant milestone in Vanuatu’s transition to sustainable energy and long-term economic resilience,” according to a statement by the MoFEM.
The archipelagic country of Vanuatu has recently seen a revival of interest from geothermal developers. In 2025, Australian firm Groundlink Energy announced that it had been granted a geothermal exploration license for the Takara site in the island of Efate. Prior to that, UK-based Stellae Energy had also signed an MoU with the Government of Vanuatu for geothermal prospecting work that is targeting an 8-MW pilot development.
Source: Jubi.id, Vanuatu Business Review, Magma Power, and Living in Vanuatu News
