The first three community infrastructure projects, that will benefit over 81,000 people across Isabel, Malaita and Western provinces, have been announced under the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific investment.
REnew Pacific is a new SBD402 million (AUD75 million) investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will fund locally-led clean energy solutions designed to boost climate resilience, drive sustainable development, and support local jobs.
Speaking at the launch event, Bradley Tovosia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, said the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific initiative supports the Solomon Islands strategy for rural electrification.
“It contributes towards our goal of increasing renewable sources of electricity,” Tovosia said.
“These off-grid projects will transform the lives and livelihoods of our rural and remote communities by strengthening healthcare, education and economic opportunities.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, said that the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership was working to increase energy security and support local jobs in Solomon Islands.
“We are doing this both through the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, and through community-led, off-grid projects in remote communities,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“With the call for proposals now open, community organisations, companies, churches and governments from Solomon Islands and across the Pacific can apply for funding to deliver renewable energy in remote communities where it is needed the most.”
The installation of two new solar hybrid systems at Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province and Goldie College in Western Province, by local company Superfly, will benefit over 1,400 students and staff, and support local jobs.
Superfly will also install a new solar hybrid system at Atoifi Adventist Hospital, which serves 80,000 people in Malaita Province, ensuring reliable, clean energy for critical medical services, including lifesaving emergency and maternity care.
These projects are expected to focus on improving lighting, water access, agriculture, food security, education, healthcare and communication for off-grid communities, with a particular focus on enabling better energy access for women and people with disabilities.
REnew Pacific is part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a SBD1.92 billion (AUD350 million) initiative focused on climate infrastructure in the Pacific.
It is delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.
REnew Pacific is now inviting proposals for off-grid renewable energy projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste..