Australia’s support includes an AUD91.9 million financing package for the Laitim Hauslain project to improve national power infrastructure. This investment will connect 30,000 to 40,000 households, schools and clinics in Morobe and East New Britain provinces to electricity, many for the first time.

Australia’s financing forms part of the PNG Electrification Partnership, which supports a key Papua New Guinean Government priority to achieve 70 per cent electrification by 2030. Improved access to electricity will improve economic and development outcomes in Papua New Guinean, support economic development in local communities, and improve the delivery of vital services for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Australia has also invested AUD76.3 million to support the national road network, connecting communities and supporting improved access to markets. The investment will support the Papua New Guinean Department of Works and Highways to undertake long-term rehabilitation and maintenance of approximately 359 kms of roads along the Wau Highway in Morobe Province and the Sepik Highway in East Sepik and West Sepik (Sandaun) provinces.

Funding will contribute to designs for the proposed Trans-National Highway. This will assist the Papua New Guinean Government progress their priority Connect PNG Strategy, a plan to increase strategic connections across Papua New Guinea’s four regions over the next 20 years.

Both investments will provide employment for Papua New Guinean people and use local materials where possible, to help stimulate Papua New Guinea’s economy and recovery from COVID-19.

Laitim Hauslain Project

Wau and Sepik Highways 

For more information, contact aiffp@dfat.gov.au

*Updated AUD figure based on exchange rate: 1.0AUD/0.70USD

The upgrade, to be delivered by AIFFP in partnership with the Nauru Department of Transport, includes resurfacing of the runway and upgrade of some critical air traffic control equipment. The funding will also enable climate-resilient upgrades to sections of the Nauru ring road.

As a small and remote island-state, Nauru is heavily dependent on the airport to connect Nauruans with their families overseas and deliver fresh food, medicine and other critical supplies.

The airport upgrade is a major infrastructure priority for Nauru, and its people, and will ensure the airport continues to operate safely and meet international standards.

Joint statement: Australia-Nauru cooperation on critical transport infrastructure | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Women (archived link)

Nauru airport refurbishment 

Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, is providing a USD22 million financing package to Solar Pacific Pristine Power for a landmark solar and battery energy storage facility in Palau.  

The financing was announced by the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne during her visit to the Republic of Palau in December 2021. The agreements were signed on Monday 31 January 2022.

The project will deliver high-quality, renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure for Palau. It is anticipated to provide approximately 20 per cent of the country’s energy needs reducing dependency on imported diesel for power generation.

Palau Solar Plant Investment | The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

For more information contact aiffp@dfat.gov.au

Australia is deepening its long‑term commitment to high‑quality, critical infrastructure across the Pacific and Timor‑Leste, with the announcement of an additional $550 million in official development assistance (ODA) grants for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).  

Announced by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Troika on 27 January 2026, the additional funding strengthens the AIFFP’s capacity to back Pacific‑led priorities and support high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits for communities and economies across the region.  

The new funding brings the AIFFP’s total facility financing to $4.55 billion, comprising a $3 billion loan cap and $1.55 billion in ODA grants.

The additional $550 million has not been pre-allocated and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in close consultation with our Pacific partners. 

Guided by Pacific priorities, the AIFFP focuses on transformational infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2019, it has committed approximately $1.1 billion in loans and $850 million in grants, supporting 58 projects across 11 countries in critical sectors such as clean energy, telecommunications and digital connectivity, ports and airports. 

Backing Pacific-led climate solutions remains central to the AIFFP’s work, alongside continued support for digital infrastructure and strengthened digital capabilities to deliver the best outcomes for the region. 

The additional investment is provided as ODA grant funding, enabling the AIFFP to support major economic infrastructure while helping partners manage debt sustainability.

By combining grants with loans, where appropriate, the AIFFP offers tailored financing solutions that support long‑term economic growth, deliver value for money and ensure infrastructure investments remain responsible and sustainable.

Consistent with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles, the AIFFP partners for local benefit — creating jobs, supporting local businesses, building skills and ensuring strong environmental and social safeguards across all projects.

Through sustained investment in high‑quality infrastructure, Australia is working with Pacific partners to build a more connected and economically vibrant region, now and into the future.

Image above: In attendance the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Palaun President Whipps and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Baron Waqa. 

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.

Find out more about the project.

Australia joined the Government of Tuvalu and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to celebrate the completion of the Nui and Niutao Islands Boat Harbour Development project – a major upgrade to Tuvalu’s maritime infrastructure.

Through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), Australia contributed AUD 21.4 million (USD 15 million) to support the design and construction of two new boat harbours, improving the availability and reliability of inter-island travel for passengers and cargo

The milestone was marked by the opening of the Niutao Boat Harbour, attended by Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Teo, Australia’s High Commissioner David Charlton, Principal Operations Specialist of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office, Jonathan Pryke and other dignitaries.

Maritime transport is the lifeline of Tuvalu, connecting nine islands across an exclusive economic zone of nearly 750,000 km2. These new harbours replace hazardous surf landings with safe, protected gateways, ensuring families have reliable  access to fresh food, essential supplies, and vital services.

On Niutao Island, the project involved dredging a sea-access channel and basin, and constructing a new wharf and passenger terminal.

On Nui Island, upgrades included a modern boat ramp, cargo shed and passenger terminal, improvements that make inter-island travel safer and more dependable.

Both harbours feature climate-smart design to withstand rising seas and extreme weather, keeping communities  connected, even as climate challenges intensify. They also include improvements such as lighting, guard rails, and ramps, making travel safer and more accessible for women, children, older passengers, and people with disability.

This project underscores Australia’s enduring commitment under the Falepili Union, working in partnership with Tuvalu, and the broader Pacific family, to build secure, sustainable, and resilient futures.

Remote health facilities across Vanuatu are now safer, brighter and better equipped, with Respond Global’s HELPR-1 team completing all planned solar installations under the Australian Government-funded REnew Pacific program in record time.

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 REnew Pacific is implemented by Palladium.

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, it’s 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.

Together with its earlier pilots, its 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. 

Find out more about REnew Pacific's work across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Watch a short film to mark this milestone:

The REnew Pacific delegation has returned home after an incredible week at COP30 in Belém, where Pacific-led energy solutions took centre stage across high-profile events, panel discussions and partner engagements. 

REnew Pacific is Australia’s AUD $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for remote and rural communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Announced at last year’s COP by Australia’s Minister for Climate Change, the Hon Chris Bowen, the program is made possible through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a AUD $350 million initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

From standing-room-only crowds at the Australian Pavilion to technical conversations at the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Pavilion, the delegation showcased how communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste are driving a practical and inclusive clean energy transition, supported by Australian Government funding.

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 below.

Find out more about REnew Pacific.