Families in the remote Vanuatu community of Petervat in north Malekula now have clean, reliable running water, flowing from a new solar-powered system delivered through Australia’s REnew Pacific program.
The project uses renewable energy to provide a reliable and climate-resilient water supply, improving access to an essential service for the community.
The system was officially handed over last week by the Hon. Paul Paolo MP for Malekula and, on behalf of the Australian High Commission, REnew Pacific Portfolio Manager Lindah Keremoi-Elton, alongside local leaders and community members.
Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Geohazards, Meteorology and Energy, the Hon. Ralph Regenvanu said the project demonstrated the importance of renewable energy solutions in improving essential services for rural communities.
“Projects like this show renewable energy can deliver a tangible impact. The Petervat community now has locally owned infrastructure providing reliable access to clean water while reducing reliance on costly fuel-based systems,” said Minister Regenvanu.
“I’m looking forward to more renewable energy projects under the Nakamal Agreement and continuing to work together on priorities that matter for communities.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, said the handover highlighted the practical benefits of Australia’s partnership with Vanuatu.
“We launched REnew Pacific in Petervat a year ago, so it is a proud moment that clean water is now flowing, powered by the sun,” Mr Willis said.
“This is what partnership looks like in action: climate resilient infrastructure that improves daily life for rural ni-Vanuatu families. But this is not where it ends. Under the Nakamal Agreement, Australia is committed to supporting Vanuatu with its energy transition objectives.”
“We look forward to expanding our work with local partners and communities to increase access to clean, reliable and affordable energy.”
Petervat is one of nine rural communities across Santo, Paama, Tanna and Malekula to receive a solar-powered water system under the two-year project, which will improve water security for over 5,100 people. The project is also equipping 24 health centres and schools with solar PV and battery storage and creating local jobs and training.
The system has been delivered by the Global Green Growth Institute in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund.
For local residents, the new system will transform everyday life by reducing the time spent collecting water and improving household health and wellbeing.
“In the past, we relied on water from the river, but now we have access to water from a natural spring. The water is piped directly to our houses, and daily life is much easier. The change has made a significant difference to our community,” said Jamie Vaxal, Secretary of the Petervat Community Water Committee.
GGGI Vanuatu’s Renew Pacific Project Lead, Andres Toro, said: “This system now belongs to Petervat. The community has been trained to run and maintain it, ensuring reliable access to clean water for years to come.”
It is one of two REnew Pacific projects in Vanuatu, building on the recently completed Respond Global (HELPR-1) project, which brought 24-hour solar power to 41 health facilities across all six provinces, benefiting more than 70,000 people.
REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s AUD75 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).
🔗 For more information, visit https://renewpacific.com.au/project/empowering-vanuatus-remote-communities-with-clean-energy-and-fresh-water/
