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

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.

Pacific-led clean energy solutions lit up the COP30 Australian Pavilion as the REnew Pacific delegation took to the stage in Belém. A standing-room-only crowd gathered to hear how Pacific communities are leading the charge on climate resilience through off-grid renewable energy, with support from the Australian Government through 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.

Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change, Will Nankervis, welcomed the audience before REnew Pacific Team Leader, Mohammed Angawi, opened the session with reflections on the program’s first year, highlighting how partners are delivering reliable power to schools, health facilities and community infrastructure, strengthening daily life and climate resilience across the region.

Dr Basil Leodoro, Respond Global’s Director of HELPR-1 Operations then 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.

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.

Australia, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and the Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company (SISCC), is supporting development of a second international submarine telecommunications cable for Solomon Islands – the Adamasia Cable System 1.

The commitment was jointly announced by Prime Minister Manele and Senator the Hon. Nita Green, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, at the Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum.

The project will be funded through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), with a grant and loan financing package of USD72.71 million, approximately AUD104 million [AUD71.9 million grant, AUD31.9 million loan].

The 1,015-kilometre cable will interconnect with Google’s Bulikula system, delivering more resilient international connectivity for the Solomon Islands and create new economic and social opportunities for businesses and government.

Delivered by Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company, the project will enhance disaster resilience by reducing the risk of outages during severe weather events and providing critical redundancy for the existing international submarine cable network.

As part of Australia’s commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure, the financing package includes an AUD1.8 million contribution from AIFFP’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership to support an off-grid electricity generation and storage capability.

This initiative represents the third major AIFFP project in the Solomon Islands, complementing five small off-grid renewable energy projects delivered through Renew Pacific. Together, these partnerships demonstrate the shared commitment of Australia and the Solomon Islands to delivering essential, climate-resilient infrastructure that drives long-term social and economic benefits.

We’re proud to be bringing our REnew Pacific partners - and the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s off-grid renewable energy success stories - to the world’s largest climate summit, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belém, Brazil next week!

Launched at COP29 by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s AUD $75 million investment delivering off-grid renewable energy to some of the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s most remote communities.

Building on the success of its earlier Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) pilots launched in 2024, REnew Pacific is transforming how essential services are powered and sustained across the region. Together, REnew Pacific and the BPP pilots have partnered with governments, businesses and communities across six countries to bring clean, reliable energy to more than 130 schools, health centres and community facilities, reaching over 230,000 people and strengthening local resilience to climate impacts.

At COP30, REnew Pacific will host a session at the Australian Pavilion highlighting how Australia and its Pacific partners are advancing locally led renewable energy solutions that cut emissions, reduce diesel reliance and strengthen climate resilience across the region.

The session will feature Australian and Pacific Government leaders, together with:

• 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)

They’ll share how Pacific communities and partners are turning the region’s unique challenges into opportunities by 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 – Belém, Brazil
🕚 11.00 to 11.50am (local time)
🔗 Register here

The event will also be livestreamed via the DCCEEW YouTube channel, with the link available from 10 November.

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.

Find out more.

Tuvalu has marked a historic milestone with the connection of Vaka Cable – the country’s first international subsea cable.

Vaka Cable connects Funafuti to Google’s Bulikula cable system. It will deliver faster, more reliable and more affordable internet to communities across Tuvalu.

For Tuvaluans, the benefits will be far-reaching. Through Vaka cable, families will be able to connect more easily with loved ones abroad, schools can access new digital learning tools, health workers can share critical information in real time, and businesses will be able to reach new markets. This project will enhance digital inclusion in Tuvalu, includingreducing barriers to digital access and creating opportunities for women, young people and people with disability to participate in the digital economy.

“Vaka Cable is more than infrastructure – it is a lifeline for opportunity. It demonstrates the strength of the Falepili Union and our shared vision for a resilient, connected Pacific. Australia is proud to have stood alongside Tuvalu, Google and partners to bring this project to life” said Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu, His Excellency Mr David Charlton.

“Today marks a defining moment for Tuvalu. Vaka Cable is more than just infrastructure under the sea, it is a bridge to our future, laying the foundation for our transformation into a digital nation. This connection will unlock new opportunities in education, health, business and community life, especially for our youth, women and people with disability. We embrace this step with optimism and readiness to build a more connected, resilient Tuvalu.”  said Tuvalu’s Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, the Hon. Simon Kofe.

The name Vaka, drawn from the traditional Tuvalu canoe, reflects resilience, exploration and unity. Just as vaka once carried Tuvaluans across oceans, Vaka Cable will carry Tuvalu into a more connected future.

Australia via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific has contributed up to USD37 million (AUD 53 million) to the USD56 million (AUD 80 million) project as part of a wider partnership with Tuvalu, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United States and Google. 

The Australian High Commission congratulates the Government of Tuvalu, Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation, Google and all partners on this achievement, which marks a significant milestone toward Tuvalu’s digital transformation.