Across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, communities are showing that clean energy solutions last longest when they are locally led. That’s why partnerships across the Pacific and Timor-Leste are investing in community governance and women’s leadership as much as technology. Supported by the Australian Government, these initiatives are putting decision-making in the hands of communities to ensure renewable energy works for everyone over the long term.
As we continue our countdown to #COP30, we’re highlighting projects supported by the Australian Government through REnew Pacific and its earlier pilots under the Business Partnerships Platform’s Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships. This week we’re shining a solar/hydro-powered light on some of the pilot partnerships where community committees, women’s groups and local organisations are powering the clean energy shift from the ground up.
In Vanuatu, women in the remote village of Lawital on Tanna Island have led the charge to bring clean, reliable solar power to every home. More than 800 people across 115 households are now benefitting from solar lighting and charging systems, five community centres have been powered, and 10 public spaces are lit with solar streetlights. Through training and leadership by the Women I TokTok Tugeta (WITTT) Network, local women are installing and maintaining the systems, supported by ActionAid Vanuatu, PowerWells and the Australian Government. With a PayGo model reinvesting community payments into maintenance, new systems and livelihood opportunities, the women of Lawital are building energy access that is inclusive, sustainable and community-owned. Find out more here and see why it’s important below:
In Kiribati, Action on Poverty and local partner FSPK are bringing solar-powered water and energy to Aranuka Island, supported by the Australian Government. The project tackles two urgent needs – clean water and reliable electricity – while also creating leadership opportunities for women. Infrastructure management committees, now majority women-led, oversee solar assets, collect levies and receive training in governance and financial literacy. These committees are leadership incubators, proving that energy access is also a pathway to empowerment. Find out more here.
In Solomon Islands, the Vavanga community is partnering with Pelena and the Australian Government to expand a micro-hydro system the community has managed for over 30 years. By upgrading the old reticulation network, the project will deliver reliable, affordable energy to all 116 households, unlocking opportunities for businesses and livelihoods. Local governance is central: the Vavanga Community Hydro Committee and the PAVAPO Women’s Group are closely involved in decisions, ensuring the system reflects community priorities while strengthening local leadership structures. Find out more here.
Behind every solar panel and micro-hydro system are the people who make them work and we’re so proud to share these stories. Across the Pacific, these partnerships show that energy solutions work best when they are locally led and community powered. By strengthening governance, championing women’s leadership and supporting local institutions, they are building lasting access to energy and more resilient communities.
These locally-led clean energy partnerships are all part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350million initiative for climate infrastructure in the region delivered by the Australian Government’s Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.
Follow along each week as we share a new story on the road to Belém.
