Around eight million people across the Pacific and Timor-Leste lack access to reliable, affordable energy. Many live in remote areas, where they cannot connect to the main electricity grid. Instead, they rely on costly and high emission diesel systems.

Through the REnew Pacific program, Australia is partnering with local organisations to deliver clean energy solutions across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. By providing grants for off-grid renewable energy systems, the program brings reliable power – sometimes for the first time – to remote schools, health care facilities, and water and agricultural systems.

In Vanuatu, the program equipped remote health facilities with reliable solar power, improving medical care for more than 80,000 people. Delivered in partnership with Respond Global, the project installed 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbished 20 more across all six provinces. The systems will ensure vital medical equipment can operate when needed, saving lives, reducing the need for patients to be referred long distances, and enabling safer deliveries for mothers and newborns.

In the Marshall Islands, the program is set to deliver solar power to 19 primary schools across Arno, Ebon and Mili Atolls. The climate-resilient solar systems with battery storage will power classrooms, lighting, digital learning tools, and water and sanitation facilities. This will improve learning conditions, support digital 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.