As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, real change is happening in remote communities across Fiji, where women are leading the way in renewable energy and young girls are being given new opportunities to learn.

On Rabi Island, where power was once unreliable and access to education was limited, a new solar energy system is transforming the way students – especially girls – experience learning. 

This has been made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), via an Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership with Its Time Foundation.

The two-year partnership, Piloting a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities , will see the design and development of an effective model of monitoring and maintenance for solar energy systems within remote Fijian school communities, starting with Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi. Due to this project, Buakonikai Primary School now has a reliable, solar-powered energy system.

For years, the school’s four female teachers struggled with the lack of electricity. With 101 students relying on them, simple tasks like printing worksheets, sending emails or accessing the internet were nearly impossible. Students relied on outdated textbooks, teachers struggled to prepare teaching materials and digital learning was simply out of reach.

Now, with solar power in place, students have access to modern education tools for the first time. The Headteacher of Buakonikai Primary School, Mrs Katarina Tubekoro, said the provision of lights has enabled internet access for students, providing a new digital learning experience. 

"Before, our students had to imagine what the world looked like. Now, they can see it. We can show them real-life science experiments, documentaries, and lessons that make learning exciting.

"Rural and remote maritime schools like Buakonikai have their own set of challenges. Rabi is such an isolated part of Fiji, sometimes it feels like another country on its own. Now these students can see the world, and not be left behind," Mrs Tubekoro says.

For Buakonikai Primary School teacher Mrs Margaret Corrie, originally from Rabi, this change is personal.

"Science was one of the hardest subjects to teach without textbooks. Now, with smart TVs and internet access, students can see what they’re learning. Their curiosity has grown, and so has their understanding.

"As I am from Rabi, this change is special to me, I did not have access to lights or electricity growing up, but the kids I teach including my own children now do thanks to this project," she adds.

The impact of the project goes beyond the classroom. Many students, who come from homes without electricity, now stay at school after dark to study under solar-powered lights.

"The first time they saw a digital TV, they were amazed. Now, they don’t want to leave school because they’re so eager to learn," Mrs Corrie adds.

But this shift in education wouldn’t be possible without the women working behind the scenes like Ms Vasiti Talakubu, who are bringing power to rural and maritime communities and inspiring the next generation of women and girls to follow in her footsteps.

Ms Talakubu is a licensed electrician specialising in solar and renewable energy. For over a decade, she has been installing solar systems in remote villages across Fiji, working with Its Time Foundation to bring clean energy to schools, homes and businesses.

"I grew up watching most of the girls in my class become teachers or nurses, but I wanted to do something different. I wanted to prove that women belong in this field too," Ms Talakubu says.

Her work has been life-changing for communities like Rabi, where she helped to install the very system now powering Buakonikai Primary School.

"The best part of my job is seeing the reaction when we turn on the lights for the first time. The kids even call me ‘Solar’ because I bring power to their homes and schools," she shares.

But for Ms Talakubu, the mission goes beyond installations. She wants to inspire other women to take up careers in science and engineering.

"I wear my high-vis vest with pride because I want young girls to see that they can do this too. When they see me working, they realise that this isn’t just a job for men. They can be electricians, engineers, or anything they set their minds to."

The AIFFP, through PCIFP, has committed AUD 75 million to renewable energy projects across the Pacific, ensuring that schools, businesses and households have sustainable, long-term access to power. These projects don’t just provide electricity, they create opportunities, particularly for women and girls.

By supporting renewable energy, the Australian Government is helping to ensure that young girls in remote communities have the tools they need to succeed. Education is no longer limited by daylight hours, and teachers can now use digital resources to bring lessons to life.

For the teachers of Buakonikai, this is more than just a solar installation – it is the key to a better future for their students.

"Rabi has always felt isolated, but now our students can see beyond our shores. They are no longer just hearing about the world, they are experiencing it,” Mrs Tubekoro says.

"You haven’t just given us power, you’ve given our students the chance to dream bigger, to learn more, and to create a brighter future."

And for Ms Talakubu, every installation is a step toward breaking gender barriers in science and technology.

"I want to show young girls that they can work in these industries too. Whether it’s installing solar panels or teaching others, there’s a place for women in this field. The more of us who step up, the stronger our communities become."

Stories like Buakonikai Primary School and the women bringing power to the Pacific are reminders of the value of investing in women. With every solar panel installed and every classroom powered, women are lighting the way for future generations.

The Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s PCIFP initiative to expand the AIFFP’s climate infrastructure investments. It does this by partnering with businesses to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform.

The Australian Government has today announced its first REnew Pacific project in Solomon Islands, set to benefit over 81,000 people by providing clean, renewable energy to power healthcare, education and essential services.

Led by Superfly, a Solomon Islands-based solar energy company, the two-year project will install a solar hybrid system at Atoifi Adventist Hospital in Solomon Islands’ Eastern Malaita province, a key healthcare facility serving 80,000 people. This will provide reliable energy for critical medical services, including emergency care and maternity, and power the hospital’s nursing school, which trains over half of the country’s nurses. 

Goldie College in Western Province and Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province will also receive solar hybrid systems, enabling extended learning hours, safer campuses and better supervision for over 1,400 students and staff.

“This project represents a transformative shift for Atoifi Adventist Hospital, Goldie College, and Sir Dudley Tuti College, delivering sustainable, 24/7 power while significantly reducing diesel dependence,” Superfly Limited’s Director, Gavin Pereira, explains.

“Through this REnew Pacific project, we’re not just installing solar systems, we’re building long-term energy resilience, lowering operational costs and improving essential services for thousands of people in remote Solomon Islands communities." 

Visit the REnew Pacific website to find out more.

The Australian Government's new $75 million REnew Pacific program is now open for grant proposals for locally-led projects that will provide off-grid renewable energy solutions for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The five-year program seeks proposals from businesses, NGOs, community organisations, academic institutions and government agencies that will improve essential services, including lighting, water access, agriculture, healthcare, food security, education, and communication for off-grid Pacific communities.

REnew Pacific is part of AIFFP’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative focused on climate infrastructure that supports the region to transition away from fossil fuels, enhance energy security and drive climate-resilient development. The program builds on the successful PCIFP Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership pilots that were launched in 2024 across Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Vanuatu.

Do you have a great idea for delivering off-grid renewable energy to rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste?  

Visit the REnew Pacific website to find out more about how to apply before applications close on 28 April 2025.

Australia is stepping up its commitment to supporting rural electrification in Fiji’s remote islands, investing AUD8.25 million into the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF), the fund’s largest investment to date.

This funding includes AUD7.25 million from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) through its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP). It will help bring solar power to some of Fiji’s most remote communities. An additional AUD1 million comes from Australia’s budget support to Fiji.

The funding is through a Direct Financing Agreement with the Fiji Government, which is a major boost for the FREF Trust Fund's efforts to drive rural electrification.

This investment will directly support solar electrification for at least five off-grid island communities, pushing Fiji closer to its goal of providing 100 per cent of its population with access to reliable electricity.

Currently, 300 communities—four per cent of Fijians—still rely on expensive, unreliable, or no access to electricity.

Reliable power will improve connectivity, allowing families to use mobile phones and access digital services, and enhance food security through access to refrigeration and irrigation.

For these communities, solar electricity means safer homes and streets, better healthcare, and stronger education. Reliable lighting allows children to study at night, health clinics to operate more efficiently, and businesses to thrive after dark. Access to light brings safety, progress and a better quality of life.

This latest investment builds on work already underway through FREF’s implementing partner, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The fund has already proven successful, with a 2017 pilot project on Vio Island providing 47 households with affordable solar power for as little as FJD 18 (AUD 12) per month.

The funding will enable FREF to scale up its activities, starting with three maritime villages: Yadrana on Lakeba Island, Salia on Kioa Island, and Yacata on Yacata Island.

These first sites will power 249 households, directly benefiting over 1,000 people. Over the next 18 months, the program aims to electrify up to 17 more rural villages.

Australia, working alongside the Fijian Government, UNDP, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is not only expanding access to clean energy but also helping attract private sector investment to keep these projects sustainable.

Through Australia’s support, more Fijian communities will have a brighter, more sustainable future while also supporting Fiji in meeting its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

REnew Pacific, the Australian Government’s $75 million initiative to bring off-grid renewable energy solutions to rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, is launching its first Call for Proposals next month. 

Do you have a great idea for delivering off-grid renewable energy to rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste?

Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved!

What is REnew Pacific?

REnew Pacific is a five-year program designed to support locally-led, sustainable projects that:

• Provide access to clean energy
• Improve agriculture and food security
• Enable quality education and health services
• Connect remote communities with reliable communications
• Enhance livelihoods across the region.

REnew Pacific is part of AIFFP’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350million initiative to expand the Australian Government’s climate infrastructure in the region.

Through REnew Pacific, we are offering grants and co-financing opportunities to develop off-grid renewable energy solutions. We are partnering with NGOs, the private sector, investors, community organisations, and government agencies to make that happen.

Interested in applying? Join the free online information session 

The REnew Pacific team are hosting a free online information session on Monday, 24 February from 3:00pm to 4:00pm (AEDT). This session will guide you through the process for when applications open next month. Register to attend here. 

Visit the REnew Pacific website and sign up for updates.

Australia is empowering Fijian women and girls in science to break barriers by enhancing their capacity and supporting employment and leadership opportunities in renewable energy.

Through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) under its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), these initiatives are equipping women with skills to power their communities, drive innovation and challenge gender norms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

One such trailblazer is Vasiti Talakubu, a licensed electrician specialising in solar and renewable energy systems. For over a decade, she’s been working in the field, bringing sustainable energy solutions to remote communities that need it most across Fiji. Currently a technical specialist with Its Time Foundation, one of AIFFP-supported Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships that is piloting a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities, she is proving that women belong in every corner of the STEM world.

Vasiti’s journey into the world of electrical installation and renewable energy wasn’t conventional. While many women in her community pursued careers as teachers or nurses, her mother hoped she would follow that same path. However, her uncle had a different idea - he encouraged her to pursue something unconventional for women at the time: becoming an electrician.

“Most of my school class pursued teaching and nursing after school, but I wanted to do something different,” Vasiti recalls. “I was determined to do something that would challenge me and allow me to make a real impact.”

After completing six months of theory and six months of practical training through Fiji’s Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF), Vasiti because a licensed electrician. Her path, however, was far from easy. As she stepped into a male-dominated industry, she faced scepticism from people who didn’t believe a woman could perform such tasks.

“There were three other women in my class, but I rarely see them in the field,” she says. “It’s often considered taboo for women to work in these areas so I’m used to doing it alone. But I always remind people that this is my bread and butter: this is what I do.”

Since July 2024, Vasiti has been working with Its Time Foundation, where she has been directly involved in installing solar power systems that bring sustainable energy to schools in remote communities. This has enabled her to work in every corner of Fiji. From schools to homes in villages, she’s seen firsthand the powerful impact that renewable energy can have on people’s lives.

“The best part of my job is seeing the reaction when we provide power to communities. When kids in villages see the lights come on for the first time, they say ‘wow!’ It’s those moments that make it all worth it,” she shares. 

“They even call me ‘Solar’ after I install their solar systems - it’s a powerful feeling knowing you’ve given them the gift of energy.”

As a woman in a predominantly male industry, Vasiti has faced her fair share of challenges, especially when working in remote villages. Initially, some locals were sceptical of her abilities because of her gender. But over time, as her installations powered up, their doubt turned to admiration.

“I’ve had people say, ‘It won’t work because you’re a woman,’ but when the system works, they are amazed,” she says. “It’s all about resilience and proving that you can do anything if you’re passionate about it.”

Her story is a testament to her incredible resilience and perseverance, qualities that she’s eager to share with other women. She’s shortly going to be embarking on a program with Its Time Foundation to train more women in solar installation and using her passion to visit local schools and encourage young girls to consider careers in technical fields through Its Time’s “You can wear this high-visibility shirt too” campaign. 

Wearing her high-vis gear and speaking directly to students, she shows them that they too can take on roles traditionally dominated by men.

“I always tell young girls that if you love what you do, you can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not for you,” she says. “We wear the high-vis and show them that they can fix things up in their own homes. This is the future and they can be a part of it.”

Her message is simple yet powerful: “Love what you do, and everything will fall into place. When you’re passionate about something, it becomes meaningful and impactful. And that’s how we make a difference.”

In 2025, Vasiti has set her sights on continuing to promote the value of women in the trades and renewable energy. She hopes to return to the TPAF to help expand training programs and encourage more women to consider careers in fields like solar energy.

“I want to show women that they have a place in these industries,” she says. “Whether it’s working on installations or teaching others, there is a need for women in this space. And the more of us who step up, the stronger our communities become.”

Vasiti’s work with Its Time Foundation is not just about installing solar panels - it’s about creating lasting change. From powering schools and homes to inspiring the next generation of women in science, she’s showing that women have an important role to play in building a sustainable future in every community. With each installation and each young girl she inspires, Vasiti is making a lasting impact - one solar panel at a time.

As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate women like Vasiti who are lighting the way for others to follow. Her story is a reminder that with passion, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference, there’s no limit to what women can achieve in science and beyond.

The Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) initiative to expand the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific’s (AIFFP) climate investments. 

It does this by partnering with businesses to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy security in the Pacific and Timor-Leste. It’s implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP). 

Find out more about the partnerships.

Australia through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is providing the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with an AUD95.7 million loan to upgrade Kimbe Port in West New Britain Province.

As part of the broader AUD621.4 million Upgrading Ports across Papua New Guinea initiative to enhance port infrastructure, the upgrades to Kimbe Port aim to strengthen the port’s resilience, efficiency and role as a key economic hub.

The project reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting PNG’s economic growth and regional connectivity and will improve infrastructure reliability, strengthen supply chain efficiency, improve connectivity and boost local economic opportunities.

The Kimbe Port project is the first of five major upgrades Australia is supporting in PNG, with Oro Bay, Daru, the Lae Tidal Basin and Kavieng also set to benefit from improved port facilities. 

The works, scheduled to begin in early 2025 and conclude in 2026, will increase resilience against climate impacts and enhance freight services.

With the Kimbe Port project alone expected to create up to 300 local jobs during construction by prioritising local workers and suppliers, the project will deliver direct benefits to PNG communities. 

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd. has awarded the contract for the works to Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd. 

Tuvalu Vaka cable has landed in Funafuti, marking a major milestone in delivering Tuvalu’s first undersea telecommunications cable. Tuvalu Vaka cable will connect Funafuti to the Bulikula cable system.  

“We celebrate a historic moment with the landing of the Tuvalu Vaka Cable on Funafuti. This achievement reflects the tireless collaboration between the Government of Tuvalu, Tuvalu Telecom, and our development partners. The Vaka Cable is more than an infrastructure project—it sets the stage for Tuvalu’s transformation into a digital nation. This is a significant step forward, and we look ahead with optimism and excitement for the opportunities it will unlock. Exciting times are ahead!” - The Hon. Simon Kofe MP, Minister of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation 

The Tuvalu Vaka cable project, supported by Australia via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), alongside Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the United States, will provide Tuvaluans faster and more reliable digital connectivity. Australia is providing up to USD37 million (AUD53 million equivalent) to the project.  

Vaka embodies the spirit of connectivity and progress, drawing from the cultural significance of the traditional Tuvaluan canoe, or "vaka". 

Tuvalu Vaka cable showcases partners’ shared commitment to supporting the Government of Tuvalu in bridging the digital divide and facilitating secure and resilient digital connectivity in Tuvalu. 

Australia’s High Commissioner to Tuvalu, Brenton Garlick, represented the Australian Government at the cable landing ceremony where the ‘Golden Buoy’ was presented. High Commissioner Garlick emphasised Australia’s significant contribution to the Tuvalu Vaka cable reflects our historic Falepili Union and commitment to safeguarding Tuvalu’s future. 

Tuvalu remains one of the few countries not connected to an international undersea telecommunications cable. The introduction of Tuvalu Vaka cable is set to transform Tuvalu’s digital connectivity and will create opportunities for inclusive economic growth and development. 

Learn more about the project. 

Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), is at the forefront of driving renewable energy solutions in the Pacific, including Solomon Islands.

The Tina River Hydropower Development Project has entered the next phase with construction commencing on the main dam and powerhouse. 

The project is delivered by co-financiers, including the Australian Government, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the World Bank.

The AIFFP’s support for the broader Tina River Hydropower Project is via the Connecting Solomon Islands’ capital to electricity via transmission line project, which includes an investment of AUD32.4 million to support the construction of a 22-kilometre transmission line connecting the Tina River hydropower site to Honiara’s main electricity grid. 

The transmission line is a necessary component of the broader project as it will enable the electricity generated to be distributed to the main grid and on to consumers. The system will provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for residential, government and commercial customers, reducing the country’s exposure to volatile global fuel prices and dependence on diesel-generated electricity.

Earlier this month, to celebrate the start of construction of the hydropower facility, Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Mr Jeremiah Manele attended an official ceremony alongside the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Rod Hilton, Solomon Islands Government ministers and officials, senior representatives from the multilateral development banks, K-Water, Tina Hydro Limited and Hyundai Engineering Corporation. 

The Australian High Commissioner, Mr Hilton highlighted the importance of the broader project for both Australia and Solomon Islands and the enduring partnership between both countries. 

“Since the beginning, Australia has been a committed partner of this critically important project for the future of Solomon Islands. 

“It will bring affordable and reliable electricity to the capital and enable more people to access power, more businesses to grow, more jobs and economic growth,” High Commissioner Hilton added.

The broader project is a critical piece of infrastructure that will reduce Honiara’s reliance on diesel generation and enable Solomon Islands to meet the 100 per cent commitment for emissions reduction under the Paris Agreement. 

The state-of-the-art infrastructure will deliver affordable and reliable electricity to the Solomon Islands’ capital, including residential, government and commercial customers, reducing reliance on costly diesel generators and exposure to volatile global fuel prices.

Learn more about the project here.