Nuku Secondary School, which serves 121 students in Nuku and surrounding villages, and nearby St Peter Chanel Primary School, which serves 110 students, have both received new solar power systems, internet connectivity and digital learning equipment to support classrooms and teacher residences. 

Delivered through a partnership between It’s Time Foundation, Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Australian Government through REnew Pacific, 31 schools across Fiji, including these two, are receiving 24-hour solar power, internet connectivity and digital learning facilities, building on an earlier successful pilot on Rabi Island. 

Fiji’s Minister for Education, the Honourable Aseri Radrodro, and Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Peter Roberts, joined students, teachers and community members at Nuku Secondary School to mark the commissioning of this new infrastructure.  

Minister Radrodro said reliable electricity from solar systems can transform learning in rural communities, helping ensure students and teachers have the power, connectivity and opportunities they need to thrive. 

High Commissioner Roberts said: “It was wonderful to join the Hon. Minister Radrodro, the school community and, of course, the students of Nuku Secondary and St Peter Chanel Primary schools to celebrate the commissioning of this project. It’s a powerful example of how renewable energy infrastructure can build resilience and strengthen education outcomes for remote and maritime communities. Australia is proud to partner with Fiji to help ensure schools have the energy and technology they need.” 

Rob Edwards, CEO, It’s Time Foundation, said: “This project is helping close the energy and technology gap for rural and remote schools. With a long-term maintenance model in place, these systems are designed to support students and teachers for generations to come.” 

REnew Pacific is Australia’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. In Fiji, REnew Pacific is also supporting a second project delivered in partnership between the Global Green Growth Institute, the Water Authority of Fiji and the Department of Water and Sewerage, which will install solar-hybrid and water pumping systems in seven maritime island communities, improving water reliability for nearly 5,000 people across Lakeba, Rotuma and Vanuabalavu. 

REnew Pacific is part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, a $350 million Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). 

Find out more: https://renewpacific.com.au/project/powering-a-sustainable-solar-energy-model-for-fijis-remote-school-communities/

The post Australia and Fiji partnership powers rural schools with solar and internet appeared first on REnew Pacific.

The Forum opened with a reception at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Wednesday evening, as the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) Conference closed.

Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, and the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Peter Roberts OAM, joined the reception to highlight the importance of collaboration in expanding clean energy access across the region, and the strength of the Fiji-Australia partnership. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect across sectors and build momentum ahead of the Forum.

The following day, the REnew Pacific Annual Forum focussed on sharing practical delivery experience and lessons to support more effective approaches to off-grid clean energy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The event began with opening remarks from Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, and Clair McNamara, Deputy High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission in Fiji, emphasised the importance of strong partnerships and sustained investment in off-grid energy delivery across Fiji and the region.

Nick Murphy, Investment Manager at the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), highlighted Australia’s support for off-grid clean energy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, with REnew Pacific Team Leader Mohammed Angawi showcasing the program’s significant progress after only one year.

The spotlight then turned to real-world delivery experience from REnew Pacific and Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) partnerships, with speakers sharing practical insights from across the region:

• From sea to clinic: HELPR-1 powering Vanuatu’s remote health centres: Dr Basil Leodoro, Director of HELPR-1 Operations | Respond Global
• Strengthening water access and resilience with hybrid energy for Fiji’s maritime islands: Norbert Maass, Country Representative Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu | Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
• Securing access to renewable energy on Solomon Islands’ Savo Island: John Marsh, Managing Director | Archipelago Energy
• Empowering local women and enabling greater access to clean energy and water in Kiribati: Praveen Lata, Head of Program Operations | Action on Poverty
• Harnessing the circular economy to tackle solar e-waste in Vanuatu: Dr Paul Munro, Associate Professor | University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• Powering a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities: Rob Edwards, CEO and Founder | It’s Time Foundation

A keynote address from Patrick Tuimalealiifano, Team Leader for Inclusive Growth at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted what it takes to scale solutions that work in complex and remote environments.

REnew Pacific’s Partnerships and Portfolio Lead, Ravinesh Nand, moderated a fascinating panel discussion exploring partnerships, maintenance models and the realities of delivering off-grid energy across remote communities and dispersed island contexts. Panellists included:

• Jen Ramamurthy, Co-founder | Sola PayGo
• Dr Komeri Onorio, Founder and Managing Director | EcoCare
• Skye Haigh, Practice Lead – Remote Development | Ekistica
• Vineil Narayan, Project Manager | United Nations Development Programme.

Attendees then took part in an energising interactive session to collaborate and reflect on shared challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen delivery across the region.

The Forum provided a valuable opportunity to share practical experience and strengthen connections across the clean energy ecosystem, helping inform future policy, investment and partnership approaches to expand off-grid energy access to communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

We are grateful for the insight, enthusiasm and energy shared by everyone involved. Thank you to all speakers, panellists and participants for being part of REnew Pacific’s inaugural Annual Forum!

Check out the Forum photos below.

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Reception

Forum

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Throughout the week, leaders from projects in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea shared frontline insights on how solar systems are transforming essential services in some of the region’s most remote and climate-vulnerable locations. Their stories highlighted the momentum of REnew Pacific in its first year, building on earlier Business Partnerships Platform pilots, to deliver reliable power to schools, clinics and community facilities that have long operated without safe and affordable electricity.

Here are the highlights:

Powering climate resilience across the Blue Pacific

The Australian Pavilion was standing room only as Australian and Pacific leaders heard how community-led solar solutions through REnew Pacific are strengthening essential health, education and community services across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, with a spotlight on Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The session featured Ambassador for Climate Change Will Nankervis, REnew Pacific Team Leader Mohammed Angawi, Dr Basil Leodoro from Respond Global’s HELPR-1 project, Tapera Bird from Superfly and Dr Genevieve Nelson from KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation). Together they shared lessons from the HELPR-1 vessel, hybrid solar systems and whole-of-village mini-grids, showing how reliable clean energy is transforming daily life in remote communities. Watch the session:

Shared futures: Building climate and energy partnerships in the Pacific

Hosted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water at the Australian Pavilion, this session brought together a high-level line-up to discuss what genuine partnership looks like in advancing climate and energy resilience. Minister Chris Bowen was joined by Tuvalu’s Hon Dr Maina Talia, the Marshall Islands’ Hon Bremity Lakjohn, Ambassador Will Nankervis, Coral Pasisi from the Pacific Community and Ingrid Lundberg from the Department. Dr Basil Leodoro contributed insights on community-led resilience in Vanuatu’s remote islands. Watch the session:

Pacific priorities for disaster-resilient infrastructure

Hosted by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific at the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Pavilion, this session highlighted how clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure are supporting some of the Pacific’s most remote and disaster-exposed communities. Chaired by Mohammed Angawi and featuring a keynote from DFAT’s Emily Luck, the discussion showcased practical examples of resilience across health, education, transport and coastal protection. Speakers included Dr Basil Leodoro, Dr Genevieve Nelson, Christian Nielsen, Takena Redfern and Kesaya Baba, who shared how communities are using clean energy and local stewardship to build infrastructure that is resilient, culturally grounded and built to last. Watch the session:

COP30 reinforced the strength of Pacific leadership in shaping practical, community-led climate and energy solutions. The week highlighted the essential role of clean, reliable power in strengthening services in remote communities and the value of partnerships grounded in local knowledge. Throughout the conference, films showcasing REnew Pacific and Business Partnerships Platform project impact played across the Australian Pavilion, helping share Pacific stories with a global audience. The momentum built in Belém positions REnew Pacific to continue supporting governments and communities as they drive a cleaner and more resilient future across the region.

Our huge thanks to all our partners, speakers and supporters who helped bring Pacific leadership to the world stage at COP30!

Check out the photos from the week:

REnew Pacific is made possible through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), an AUD $350 million initiative delivered by Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium: Make It Possible.

The post Celebrating Pacific and Timor-Leste clean energy leadership at COP30 appeared first on REnew Pacific.

From solar-powered health centres in Vanuatu and hybrid systems in Solomon Islands to clean energy for schools and communities in Papua New Guinea, the session showcased community-led clean energy transforming lives across the region.

A huge thank you to all our speakers!

Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change, Will Nankervis, welcomed the audience, noting the importance of strong partnerships in delivering climate and energy solutions across the Pacific.

Mohammed Angawi, REnew Pacific’s Team Leader opened the session by reflecting on the program’s first year of delivery. He shared how partners across the region are now providing reliable power to schools, health facilities and community infrastructure, transforming daily life for local communities and laying stronger foundations for long-term climate resilience.

Dr Basil Leodoro, Respond Global’s Director of HELPR-1 Operations offered an inside look at the game-changing HELPR-1 vessel, which is bringing dependable solar power to outer-island health centres in Vanuatu. These upgrades are enabling nurses to treat patients safely after dark and maintain cold-chain storage for essential medicines. Find out more.

Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF’s Chief Executive, Officer, showcased how integrated solar mini-grids are transforming health and education outcomes in some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote provinces. With light in clinics and classrooms, communities now have safer births, improved healthcare and stronger learning environments. Find out more.

Tapera Bird, Superfly’s General Manager shared how new and upgraded solar systems are supporting clinical teams, nurses, students and community groups with clean, reliable energy across Solomon Islands. Find out more.

Thanks too for all those who attended. If you missed it, you can watch the recap on DCCEEW’s YouTube channel here.

REnew Pacific is Australia’s $75 million investment delivering off-grid renewable energy to remote and rural communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Made possible through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium, the program continues to expand access to clean, reliable power through locally led partnerships across the region.

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The REnew Pacific delegation will land in Belém soon, ready to share how Australia and its Pacific partners are powering climate resilience across the Blue Pacific.

It’s a particularly special time for us as we celebrate our first birthday. Launched at COP29 by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, REnew Pacific is Australia’s AUD $75 million investment bringing off-grid renewable energy to some of the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s most remote communities.

Together with earlier Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) pilots, the program has already supported governments, businesses and communities across the region to deliver clean, reliable energy to more than 130 schools, health centres and community facilities, reaching over 230,000 people.

Next Monday 17 November, join us at the Australian Pavilion – in person or online – and hear from:

• Mohammed Angawi, Team Leader, REnew Pacific
• Dr Basil Leodoro, Director of HELPR-1 Operations, Respond Global
• Tapera Bird, General Manager, Superfly
• Dr Genevieve Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation)

Together, they’ll share how Pacific communities and partners are turning the region’s unique challenges into opportunities: building clean, reliable energy systems that cut emissions, replace diesel and strengthen resilience across islands and generations.

Here are the details:

Monday 17 November 2025
Australian Pavilion, COP30 in Belém, Brazil
11.00 to 11.50am (BST – local time)

Register here

Joining online? You will be able to catch the livestream through DCCEEW’s YouTube channel – we’ll share the link when you register.

REnew Pacific is made possible through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), an AUD $350 million initiative delivered by the Australian Government’s Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

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It covered:

• REnew Pacific’s aims and objectives
• Our blended finance approach and partnership opportunities
• Grants criteria and eligibility overview
• Scope of projects supported by REnew Pacific
• Inclusion opportunities in off-grid renewable energy initiatives
• Timeline and process for submitting proposals

Did you miss the REnew Pacific information session or want a recap? Check it out here:

If you have a question about REnew Pacific in advance of its first Call for Proposals opening next month, get in touch with the team.

You can also follow us on social media for the latest news and updates:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook 
• Instagram

The post Missed the REnew Pacific information session? appeared first on REnew Pacific.

Date: Monday, 24 February 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (AEDT) 
Location: Online 

This free online information session will guide you through the preparation process, covering: 

• REnew Pacific’s aims and objectives 

• Our blended finance approach and partnership opportunities 

• Grants criteria and eligibility overview 

• Scope of projects supported by REnew Pacific 

• Inclusion opportunities in off-grid renewable energy initiatives 

• Timeline and process for submitting proposals 

It will also include a Q&A session. 

We hope to see you there! 

The post Join our REnew Pacific information session appeared first on REnew Pacific.

REnew Pacific’s first Call for Proposals is just around the corner—and you could be part of this exciting opportunity! 

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s new $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. 

This five-year program offers grants and co-financing opportunities to develop off-grid renewable energy projects in partnership with NGOs, the private sector, investors, community organisations and government agencies. 

Interested in applying? Join our free information session 

The REnew Pacific team is hosting a free online information session on Monday 24 February from 3:00pm to 4:00pm (AEDT) to help you prepare before applications open next month! 

We hope to see you there! 

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