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/

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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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Announced today, the project marks a major milestone for Samoa as the country’s first project through Australia’s REnew Pacific program and the first-ever investment by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in Samoa.

Led by the Electric Power Corporation (EPC), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), and supported by the Australian Government, the project will install solar and battery systems for 108 households and five community fales across Upolu and Savai‘i. It will also upgrade a mini-grid power network on Apolima Island to provide 24/7 renewable electricity to 11 households.

While Samoa has achieved high electricity access overall, some rural and island communities remain beyond the national grid, relying on wood fires and kerosene lamps for light and cooking. Replacing these with clean solar power will improve health and safety, support study and small businesses, and help communities better withstand climate impacts while contributing to Samoa’s goal of 70 percent renewable energy by 2031.

“This first-ever AIFFP-funded project for Samoa marks a milestone not only for EPC but for our nation’s journey toward universal access to clean energy. Through REnew Pacific, EPC will deliver reliable solar and battery systems to families who have waited the longest for safe power. This investment is a tangible expression of Australia’s friendship and shared commitment to Samoa’s sustainable and resilient future,” said Fesola’i Tau‘ili‘ili Faumui Iese Toimoana, General Manager of EPC.

This locally led project is the latest milestone for REnew Pacific, the Australian Government’s $75 million investment delivering off-grid renewable energy to rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including Samoa.

“Australia is proud to be working alongside Samoa to deliver clean, renewable energy to families and communities across the islands. This first REnew Pacific project in Samoa shows what true partnership looks like: local leadership driving lasting change,” said Will Robinson, Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa.

REnew Pacific is a five-year program launched in November 2024, operating across eight countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including through earlier pilot projects. It delivers locally led clean energy projects that improve lives and strengthen resilience in remote communities, responding directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action and demonstrating Australia’s climate leadership in the region.

REnew Pacific sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, a AUD 350 million initiative delivered through AIFFP and implemented by Palladium.

Find out more about the project.

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The installation marks a major milestone for REnew Pacific’s first Solomon Islands project, led by local renewable energy provider Superfly.

Serving 820 students, including around 600 boarders, as well as staff and community houses, the College previously relied on costly and unreliable diesel generation. The new solar system will now provide dependable power day and night while significantly cutting fuel use and costs.

The system was officially launched by the Honourable Trevor Hedley Mahaga, Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu together with the Australian High Commission leaders and the school community led by Principal Dudley Uata.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said Australia was proud to partner with Solomon Islands in delivering clean, affordable energy solutions that were locally led and sustainable.

“The solar hybrid system installation at Sir Dudley Tuti College demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting expanded access to renewable sources of energy in remote and rural areas,” said High Commissioner Roach.

Speaking at the launch event, Honourable Trevor Hedley Mahaga said the investment in Sir Dudley Tuti College was an investment in the future of Isabel Province.

“Reliable solar power will enable brighter classrooms, safer dormitories and dependable services across the campus, giving students and teachers more opportunities to learn, teach and live well after dark,” said Honourable Mahaga.

Sir Dudley Tuti College is one of three sites benefitting from the REnew Pacific project, which will support more than 81,000 people across Isabel, Western and Malaita provinces. In Eastern Malaita, Atoifi Adventist Hospital is receiving a hybrid solar system to power emergency care, maternity services and its nursing school, while Goldie College in Western Province is also installing a new solar hybrid system to support students, staff and surrounding communities.

Gavin Pereira, Director of Superfly, said: “We are proud to deliver this project alongside the Sir Dudley Tuti College community and our partners.”

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. It’s part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Learn more: https://renewpacific.com.au/project/solar-powering-healthcare-and-education-in-solomon-islands-malaita-western-and-isabel-communities/

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The project was announced by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy during a visit to Australia this week by the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Her Excellency Dr Hilda Heine. It marks a major milestone as Australia’s first REnew Pacific project in the Marshall Islands and the first investment by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in the country.

Delivered by UNICEF Australia alongside UNICEF Pacific, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training, including the Public School System, and the Environmental Protection Authority, the project will solarise every primary school across these outer island atolls, where schools currently have no access to electricity.

Cyclone-resilient solar systems with battery storage will power classrooms, lighting, digital learning tools, and water and sanitation facilities. This will improve learning conditions, support inclusive and technology-enabled education and strengthen schools’ ability to function as safe community spaces during emergencies.

The project will directly benefit more than 700 children and 90 teachers, with a further 1,300 community members supported when schools are used as emergency shelters.

Dr Natalie Nimmer, Commissioner of Education for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Australian Government and to UNICEF for their continued partnership and investment in the future of children. This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening education systems while advancing sustainable and resilient solutions for our neighbour islands.”

Hamish Young, UNICEF Pacific’s Representative, said: “This is an important milestone in children’s education and the right investment in their futures. By harnessing clean energy, schools will be transformed into climate-ready learning spaces ensuring that no child is left behind – no matter where they are. We thank the Australian Government for their support in making this a reality for every child.”

This locally led project is the latest milestone for REnew Pacific, the Australian Government’s $75 million investment delivering off-grid renewable energy to rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including the Marshall Islands.

REnew Pacific now operates across seven countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including through its earlier pilots, helping remote communities access clean, reliable power for homes, schools, clinics and small enterprises. The program sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Find out more about the project.

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Delivered in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund, the project installed 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbished 20 more across all six provinces. The final installation took place at Mamalu Vanua Dispensary in Naviso, which had previously never had proper electrification.

The completion marks a major milestone for REnew Pacific, with HELPR-1 becoming the program’s first project to reach full completion since launching in March 2025. It brings reliable solar power to some of Vanuatu’s most remote clinics and hospitals, improving healthcare for more than 80,000 people.

Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, said HELPR-1’s completion is an early Christmas present for remote communities across the country.

“As one of the first REnew Pacific projects to start and the first to finish, HELPR-1 shows the strength of the Vanuatu-Australia partnership and what we can achieve together.

“Australia is pleased to support Vanuatu in powering its health facilities with clean, dependable solar energy. These systems strengthen the resilience of local services, ensure vital equipment can operate when needed and help communities overcome the challenges of distance and isolation. This is practical, life-changing infrastructure that will benefit Vanuatu for many years.”

The HELPR-1 project delivered upgrades tailored to each facility’s needs, including energy-efficient lighting, battery systems, water pumps and priority medical equipment. Facilities such as Quatvaes Hospital and Saramauri Health Centre can now operate x-ray machines, ultrasounds and other diagnostic tools for the first time thanks to clean, reliable solar power. Local health and facility staff were also trained to operate and maintain the new systems, ensuring long-term reliability and strengthening capacity across remote islands.

Dr Basil Leodoro, Director of HELPR-1 Operations at Respond Global, said completing the installations is a milestone for community health nationwide. “When the power is stable, care is safer. With the Ministry of Health, the National Green Energy Fund and Australia’s REnew Pacific program beside us, we have been able to overcome significant logistical challenges and bring consistent, renewable power to facilities that serve some of the most remote islands in the country. This work means more emergencies handled on site, safer deliveries for mothers and babies and greater confidence for our health workers every day.”

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million commitment to expanding clean, reliable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote Pacific and Timor-Leste communities. It is part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative focused on climate infrastructure in the region, delivered by the Australian Government’s Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

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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.

The post Celebrating one year of REnew Pacific appeared first on REnew Pacific.

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.

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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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In the remote islands of Vanuatu, communities once depended on kerosene lamps, with daily life slowing as soon as darkness fell. Now, solar power is transforming how people live and work, thanks in part to Cecilia Kaluatman, a 31-year-old Data Officer onboard Respond Global’s game-changing marine logistics platform, HELPR-1.

Cecilia’s journey began in the world of information technology. After studying software and networking in Vanuatu, she spent four years travelling to remote islands installing satellite networks to connect schools and villages to the internet. “Most of the places didn’t have any network,” she recalls. “We would install VSATs and set up vouchers so people could have access to the internet for the first time.”

That experience taught her about technology as well as the resilience and resourcefulness of island communities. When she joined Respond Global in 2023, she found herself at the intersection of data, technology and human impact. “I started as an IT technician but then I began collecting data and supporting the solar installation team,” she explains. “Now I lead our streetlight portfolio and manage data for our community energy projects.” 

Respond Global is currently delivering a REnew Pacific project, supported by the Vanuatu National Green Energy Fund (NGEF), that is bringing reliable power to 40 health facilities across Vanuatu, improving healthcare for around 80,000 people living in off-grid communities. Cecilia is part of the team installing 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbishing 20 more through Respond Global’s HELPR-1 vessel, providing 24/7 electricity to some of the country’s most remote islands for the first time. The project is also supplying medical equipment and cold-chain refrigeration, helping health centres safely store vaccines and support night-time emergencies and maternity care.

Cecilia’s days are spent gathering and analysing information from across Vanuatu’s provinces. Each month, her team travels to a new island to assess health centres, schools and community facilities, documenting energy access, identifying faults and planning upgrades. “We check if the solar systems are working, if they need replacement or refurbishment. When we’re on site, we sometimes help with the installation or repairs,” she says, adding: “We sometimes do installations on the spot when we have extra components with us – it’s something that really helps us respond quickly to community needs.”

Her favourite part of the job, she says, is seeing the change unfold. “When we install solar streetlights near water catchments or pathways, women tell us they feel safe walking at night. At health centres, staff can deliver babies with light for the first time. Seeing that makes me happy. It’s life changing for them – and for me too.”

But the path hasn’t been without challenges. “At first it was hard,” she admits. “I was the only woman on site, and the boys didn’t think I could do it. But I kept showing up. I learned from them, worked alongside them, and now I’ve earned their trust. I’ve learned that when you believe in yourself, you can do anything.”

Cecilia’s family, based on Efate, have been her constant supporters. “They’re always my biggest fans,” she says with a smile. “They message me every time they see a post about my work – they even take screenshots and send them back, saying how proud they are.”

She has high praise for her Respond Global team too: “I wouldn’t have done any of this without all my team’s help and support. Their encouragement and collaboration have made everything possible.”

Her curiosity and commitment to learning haven’t stopped at work. Cecilia is currently studying off-grid solar installation at the University of the South Pacific, building on her technical background to strengthen her renewable energy expertise. “Coming to Respond Global has given me new skills,” she says. “I’ve learned about electricity, wiring, safety and installation: things I never thought I’d do.”

She’s also thinking ahead. “In the future, I want to keep helping communities – especially women, children and people with disabilities – to have better lives,” she says. “Maybe one day I can start my own business to keep supporting solar projects and create more opportunities for others.”

For Cecilia, renewable energy is about much more than infrastructure, it’s about dignity, safety and connection. “Some communities still don’t have water or safe roads,” she explains. “Women and children walk long distances, even at night, to fetch water or go to school. Having light means they can move safely. It changes everything.”

Her message to young women thinking of following a similar path is powerful:

“Don’t wait for permission. Speak up. Ask questions. Believe in yourself. You can achieve whatever you want if you stay focused and find ways to help your community.”

She also has a call for those investing in energy access across the Pacific. “We are lucky to have light in some places but many still don’t. Donors and organisations can help communities with better roads, water and solar systems. These things make a big difference for women and children.”

Cecilia’s story is one of persistence and progress. In a field long dominated by men, she’s showing how data and solar energy can create practical pathways for equality by improving access to power and opportunities for women across Vanuatu.

“It’s challenging,” she says, “but the challenge is worth it. Every light we install helps someone feel safer, study longer, or save a life. That’s what keeps me going.”

Cecilia’s story is part of the broader project that is powering remote health centres across Vanuatu. Learn more.

Across the region, women are stepping into roles that are reshaping how energy is generated, managed and shared. Their leadership is not only powering homes, schools and businesses with clean energy, it is building stronger, more resilient communities and showing what an inclusive energy future looks like.

We’re proud to showcase some of these remarkable leaders through our Women in Power series, which highlights women powering change through REnew Pacific and its earlier pilots, delivered by the Business Partnerships Platform.

They are supported by the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

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