The Australian Government has announced three new business partnerships to deliver off-grid renewable energy to remote and rural communities in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu. 

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 in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) - Australia’s flagship program for collaboration with businesses to tackle development challenges.

Under the new business partnerships Papua New Guinea will see improved energy infrastructure at New Ireland’s Lemakot Health Facility and the Raihu Rural Hospital in Aitape through a partnership with Caritas Australia, Catholic Church Health Services, and the Australian Government, enhancing energy accessibility and reliability for essential healthcare services.

Timor-Leste will benefit from clean solar energy to enhance critical health infrastructure at four sites in Cova-Lima Province. MEA Power Up and Master Electricians Australia, together with the Australian Government, will ensure medical clinics and water pumping sites receive reliable energy.

Vanuatu will tackle the growing issue of solar e-waste through a circular economy project. The University of New South Wales, Vanuatu Disability Promotion Advocacy Association, Vanuatu Institute of Technology, and the Vanuatu Department of Energy, in partnership with the Australian Government, will manage and reduce e-waste from solar energy systems.

These partnerships demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure and addressing climate change impacts across the region. With a total investment of AUD$5.8 million, including AUD$3.6 million in funding from the Australian Government, these initiatives are set to significantly impact local communities.

The AIFFP through PCIFP will launch a new AUD$75 million long-term off-grid renewable energy program later this year, further enhancing the region’s capacity to mitigate, adapt, and build resilience against climate change.

This announcement brings the total investment under the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships program to AUD$5.8 million in 13 partnerships across six countries.

These partnerships were selected through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) Call for Partnerships to Support Off-Grid Renewable Energy in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste has made a significant leap forward in securing its digital future with the 'Golden Buoy' presentation and the launch of the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable in Dili. 

This groundbreaking project, delivered by the Government of Timor-Leste, promises to bring faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet connectivity to communities across the nation.

The fibre optic submarine cable has landed in Timor-Leste, marking a significant milestone in the project. Soon, the laying ship will begin deploying the cable along the seabed, connecting it to the North-West Cable System.

Australia is providing advisory support through an AUD7.2 million grant through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). 

This grant supports the Government of Timor-Leste in the design, manufacture, and installation of the country’s first submarine telecommunications cable. 

Australia's support through the Connecting Timor-Leste to the internet via submarine cable project includes developing a Front-End Engineering Design to explore various cable design and route options, providing procurement support to source a turnkey marine vendor, and assisting with the design and procurement of the project’s landing infrastructure.

Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, proudly represented the Australian Government at the 'Golden Buoy' presentation and the launch ceremony. Ambassador Wilson emphasised the project as a testament to the close-knit relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste.

“The Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable will physically link our two countries through a telecommunications conduit. We take great pride in assisting the Government of Timor-Leste in realising this project,” she said.

Timor-Leste remains one of the few countries not connected to an international submarine telecommunications cable. Currently, its internet connectivity relies on satellite and microwave radio, leading to high costs and slow speeds. The introduction of this submarine telecommunications cable is set to revolutionise the nation's digital connectivity, fostering ICT-driven private sector growth and significantly enhancing its global digital presence.

Learn more about the investment  here

Australia's investment is raising safety and efficiency standards in Fiji's road maintenance and construction sectors.

Through its Restoring roads and bridges across Fiji project, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) has invested AUD71.8 million in Fiji’s transport infrastructure, enhancing road and bridge resilience across Viti Levu. This strategic financing, including an AUD14.7 million grant, supports Fiji's post-pandemic economic recovery and strengthens its climate defenses, exemplifying a robust partnership that bolsters sustainable development and secures critical transport networks.

As part of this investment, the AIFFP in partnership with Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) supported the Fiji Roads Authority to conduct the 'Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ course (CPCWHS1001). 

This course provides Fijians with Australian-accredited equivalent construction safety credentials, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to work confidently and safely in the construction sector and meets FRA's specific work health and safety (WHS) for its road construction and maintenance activities.

The FRA is the first organisation in Fiji seeking to mandate industry recognised WHS certification for its road workers, including contractors.

After a successful pilot and feedback in 2023, it was refined and delivered to 65 FRA inspectors and road renewal contractors earlier this year.

Upon completing the training, workers on construction sites will be equipped with essential safety training, ensuring that they are well-versed in identifying hazards and implementing effective safety protocols.

The AIFFP’s approach prioritises local employment and capacity across its projects, and the road renewal contracts are all locally registered contractors with the majority of workers being local Fijians.

The AIFFP is dedicated to improving Fiji's road safety through skill development. In partnership with FRA and APTC, the AIFFP have customised the general construction induction card training to align with Fiji’s legal framework and FRA’s operational environment.

This training has marked a significant step forward in strengthening the pool of qualified national skills to support FRA’s civil works activities.

The FRA recognises the support of AIFFP in partnership with APTC in facilitating the essential safety training. FRA has stringent policies, standards and procedures in place that ensure compliance and safety standards at the workplace and is continuously looking for opportunities to strengthen safety and efficiency standards through regular trainings and collaborations.

APTC Country Director Fiji and Tuvalu, Mr Gareth McGrath, added that APTC was proud to partner with the AIFFP to support the construction safety course initiative for the FRA.

'The opportunity to deliver the course is the first for Fiji and the APTC is happy to support this initiative, ensuring that participants are trained and empowered with crucial skills, setting a new benchmark for safety and enhancing awareness and accountability among workers and managers within the civil work sector,' he said.

APTC also supported FRA by delivering  International Skills Training to FRA’s three safety officers. This internationally recognised certification equips them with improved competency-based training skills and assessment using global best practices. 

'Now proficient in new skills and tools, these officers are prepared to tackle local challenges and lead safety training for FRA staff, significantly boosting organisational capabilities,' Mr McGrath added.

Future plans for the white card training include rolling out customised white card training on a mandatory basis for all road construction personnel, from casual workers to managers to address the diverse risks present on construction sites. This training ensures that everyone involved upholds the highest safety standards, safeguarding both individual and collective well-being.

Learn more about the Restoring roads and bridges across Fiji project.