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.

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.