One year ago, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change, the Hon Chris Bowen, announced REnew Pacific at COP29: a $75 million Australian Government investment over five years that is designed to expand clean, reliable energy access for remote off-grid communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Building on successful pilots through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), the program set out to strengthen essential services, create local economic opportunities and support community-led climate resilience across some of the region’s most remote locations.
One year on, the program is making a tangible difference across the region. In its first year, we have achieved:
- 6 projects underway across Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – with more to come!
- More than 85 schools, health centres and communities gaining access to clean energy
- More than 177,000 people reached.
And we’ve only just begun!
Together with its earlier pilots, the impact to date includes:
- 19 projects underway across Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
- 95% of projects are solar, with 5% hydro
- 7 pilot project installations completed and handed over to the community
- Three early BPP pilots scaled into full REnew Pacific projects
- More than 130 schools, health centres and communities gaining access to clean energy
- More than 230,000 people reached
- Dozens of local organisations partnering across government, civil society and the private sector
- Significant reductions in diesel use across remote clinics, schools and communities.
Built on community leadership, practical design, trusted partnerships and long-term impact, the program is showing what is possible when local organisations, governments and the private sector work together to deliver clean, reliable energy where it is needed most.
Supported by the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium, REnew Pacific is already shaping a more resilient and connected future for remote Pacific and Timor-Leste communities.
Our huge thanks to all our partners – including local communities, Pacific governments, delivery organisations, Australian High Commissions, technical teams, and the AIFFP, Palladium and advisor teams – for being on this journey with us so far. Onwards to an even more impactful year ahead!
Watch a short film to celebrate our birthday!
Check out our partnerships below:
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu, partners are delivering practical clean energy solutions that support health, livelihoods and local leadership.
- ActionAid Australia, ActionAid Vanuatu, the WITTT Network and PowerWells are strengthening women’s access to affordable, dependable energy. Find out more.
- The University of New South Wales, working with the Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association, the Vanuatu Institute of Technology and the Department of Energy, is piloting circular solar e-waste models that create new skills and reduce environmental impacts. Find out more.
- Respond Global and the National Green Energy Fund (NGEF) are improving healthcare access through off-grid solar, medical equipment and technician training through their game-changing HELPR-1 vessel. Find out more.
- GGGI and NGEF are delivering solar-powered water systems that support climate resilience and green employment. Find out more.
Kiribati
Action on Poverty and the Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific are supporting women to expand clean energy and safe water access, improving health and economic security across outer islands. Find out more.
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
In PNG, REnew Pacific and its earlier BPP pilots have been expanding the reach of clean energy into hard-to-access areas.
- The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) is extending its BPP pilot with new solar mini-grids for classrooms, digital learning and rural health posts in Oro and Central Provinces. Find out more.
- Caritas Australia and Catholic Church Health Services are improving power access for life-saving healthcare in New Ireland Province. Find out more.
- Sola PayGo and MiBank are creating jobs and livelihoods through renewable energy and financial inclusion. Find out more.
Solomon Islands
Partners across the Solomon Islands are delivering practical, reliable renewable energy solutions for communities and essential services.
- Superfly is installing solar hybrid systems at Atoifi Adventist Hospital, Goldie College and Sir Dudley Tuti College, delivering reliable clean power across Malaita, Western and Isabel Provinces. Find out more.
- In Malaita, Superfly has been partnering with Save the Children Solomon Islands and the Mai-Ma’asina Green Belt to expand solar access and strengthen community resilience. Find out more.
- Superfly partnered with Good Samaritan Hospital in Tetere to install a solar-battery-diesel hybrid system that is providing reliable, affordable power for essential healthcare services for more than 43,000 people. Find out more.
- Archipelago Energy is supporting renewable power access on Savo Island. Find out more.
- Pelena is delivering micro-hydro systems in Vavanga. Find out more.
Fiji
In Fiji, partners are delivering clean energy solutions that support education and climate resilience in remote communities.
- Its Time Foundation is powering remote classrooms and computer labs, building on its earlier BPP pilot. Find out more.
- GGGI is strengthening resilience in maritime islands through hybrid systems supporting water security. Find out more.
Timor-Leste
In Timor-Leste, partners are powering livelihoods and improving rural health infrastructure.
- Engineers Without Borders Australia, Raw Material and Mara Mresa are supporting renewable energy for coffee cooperatives. Find out more.
- MEA Power Up and Master Electricians Australia are improving rural health infrastructure with new solar systems and water pumps. Find out more. Find out more.
