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.

His Majesty, King Tupou VI recently opened the upgraded Nuku’alofa International Port, better connecting Tonga’s main trade gateway to the rest of the world.

The Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project was funded by the Government of Australia through the AIFFP, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Government of Tonga as part of their shared commitment to rehabilitate, renew, and expand Tonga’s transport infrastructure.

Also in attendance was the  the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Brek Batley, Prime Minister of Tonga Aisake Valu Eke, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Authority Tonga, Alo ki Hakau Maileseni, and ADB Director General for the Pacific Department, Emma Veve.

“Australia is proud to have worked with the Government of Tonga and the Asian Development Bank on the Queen Salote Wharf as part of our long-term commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity in Tonga,” said H.E. Batley. “We are especially proud that the project has set a high benchmark for local employment with an average of 80% local workforce participation. The wharf will ensure prosperity for communities and for generations to come. This outstanding achievement demonstrates that the Australian government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity – in Tonga and across the Pacific.”

“The upgraded, climate-proofed, Queen Salote Wharf will be a lifeline for the people of Tonga and is being delivered to high standards,” said Ms. Veve. “The modernized wharf was completed ahead of schedule, and our approach is fully aligned with the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment and the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.”

“The commissioning ceremony signifies that all marine and civil works are now complete and operational,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Authority Tonga, Alo ki Hakau Maileseni. “This transformational project has rehabilitated and expanded the Queen Salote International Wharf to increase port capacity, improve safety and efficiency, lower operational costs and ensure the port can better withstand the severe impacts of climate change.”

The civil works were delivered in two phases to allow the port to remain operational throughout. Phase 1 included the rehabilitation of Wharf 1 and the construction of berthing and mooring dolphins, in addition to the development of pavement and other facilities over the eastern half of the yard area. Wharf 1 was handed over in March 2025. Phase 2 comprised repairs to Wharves 2, 3 and 4, the extension of Wharf 2, an additional mooring dolphin, the access road overlay, and the development of pavement and services over the western half of the yard area.

Recent achievements under Phase 2 include the completion and commissioning of modernized electrical and firefighting systems and the construction of the site access road.

The Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project began in 2022, funded by an ADB US$55 million investment from the Asian Development Fund, ADB’s major source of grant financing for Tonga. The Government of Australia through their Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility contributed US$20 million. The Government of Tonga also contributed an estimated US$8.5 million in terms of taxes and duties exemptions, bringing the total cost of the project to US$83.5 million.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

REnew Pacific’s Respond Global project has reached the halfway mark in its mission to power up remote healthcare facilities across Vanuatu, switching on clean energy and water systems at five health facilities in Sanma Province. The upgrades, completed last month, are improving care for the 11,700 people the facilities serve.

The HELPR-1 team completed a challenging month-long deployment in August to electrify and refurbish some of the province’s most remote health centres. New off-grid solar systems were installed at Saramauri Health Centre, Vulesepe Dispensary and Pessena Dispensary, while essential refurbishments restored and extended existing systems at Stonehill and Tasiriki Dispensaries.

The work went beyond energy. Repairs to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities were carried out at every site, and Saramauri Health Centre received its first consignment of modern medical equipment, including a patient monitor, oxygen concentrator, defibrillator, autoclave and foetal doppler, giving staff the tools they need to deliver better care.

Two students from the Vanuatu Institute of Technology joined the mission, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the next generation of Vanuatu’s clean energy workforce.

Delivered in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund through REnew Pacific, the HELPR-1 Climate Adaptation Program is working to install 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbish 20 more across all six provinces. With Sanma now online, the program is halfway to its goal of benefitting over 80,000 people in remote communities with cleaner energy, safer water and stronger healthcare.

Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, said; “When health workers have reliable power and safe water, communities are healthier and more resilient. Australia is proud to be working with Respond Global and the Government of Vanuatu to deliver clean, reliable energy where it’s needed most. With HELPR-1 at its halfway point, we are seeing the impact multiply across the islands, transforming healthcare for tens of thousands of people across Vanuatu.” 

Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global, said: “We thank Australia for their support for this impactful project, and for the partnership of the Ministry of Health and Department of Energy. We believe everyone deserves access to health services even in remote and hard to reach islands. This project means those services now have power, clean water, and thanks to the Australian Government, extra medical equipment and supplies delivered as part of this REnew Pacific project.”

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. Over the next five years, the program will fund locally-led projects that improve lighting, water, healthcare, education, agriculture and resilient livelihoods. It’s 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).

Find out more about the project.

Since switching to a solar-hybrid system a year ago, Good Samaritan Hospital is delivering reliable 24/7 healthcare for families across Solomon Islands’ Guadalcanal province with fuel savings already funding new health services.

Thanks to a partnership between Superfly Limited, the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Australian Government through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), the hospital is delivering a cleaner, greener and more resilient healthcare system for the 43,000+ people it serves, including more than 21,500 women who rely on maternity, child and other health services.

The impact after 12 months has been significant, with 97.3% of the hospital’s energy needs now supplied by solar, enabling hundreds of patients to be treated safely at night with reliable power. The shift has saved 19,000 litres of diesel, cutting costs and avoiding 51 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Savings from reduced fuel costs are already being reinvested back into healthcare. A new extension for non-communicable disease foot care has opened and a small eye clinic is planned for the coming months. These services that would not have been possible without the shift to solar.

“Families across Guadalcanal now know they have a hospital they can rely on for 24/7 care, powered by clean energy,” said Sister Daly from Good Samaritan Hospital. “We’re welcoming more community members than ever before, while reinvesting money saved from fuel into better services and equipment.”

This was the very first BPP Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships project to launch - and the first to be completed - not only in Solomon Islands but across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The project is part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), which expands the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to grow Australia’s climate investments and support Solomon Islands to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Find out more about the partnership.