Australia is supporting clean, reliable energy access for remote communities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with the country’s first REnew Pacific project set to deliver solar power to 19 primary schools across Arno, Ebon and Mili Atolls.
The project was announced by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy during a February 2026 visit to Australia 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 in partnership with 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 provide clean, affordable, renewable energy to 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.
The Republic of Marshall Islands' first REnew Pacific project is set to deliver solar power to 19 primary schools across Arno, Ebon and Mili Atolls