$125 million to support the Pacific’s renewable energy transition

The Albanese Government is partnering with Pacific nations to improve energy security and scale up energy grid transition with a $125 million investment in renewable energy.

At COP29, Australia announced the funding which comprises a $75 million investment through the REnew Pacific program and $50 million through the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET) program.

Delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the ‘REnew Pacific’ program will help deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific.

The program will enable lighting, access to water, improved agriculture, better food security, quality education and health services, reliable communications connectivity and enhanced incomes.

The $50 million APPET funding responds to Pacific priorities to capture more of the benefits of renewable energy investments. This may include energy transition modelling, grid studies, renewable energy project feasibility studies, university collaborations and other activities to support energy transition progress.

It will support the skills and training needed to grow the Pacific’s renewable energy workforce and provide practical, Pacific-led support to Pacific governments and energy operators.

Australia recently announced an additional $9 million contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub, which is designed to respond to Pacific requests for support on a range of climate activities.

Funding for APPET and the contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub is being made available by repurposing funds from the Indo Pacific Carbon Offset Scheme (IPCOS), an initiative of the former Government. Existing bilateral commitments made under IPCOS will be honoured where they remain relevant.

Further information can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong

“Supporting Pacific nations’ transition to renewable energy and away from imported fossil fuels will enhance economic resilience, improve energy security and help them meet their climate goals.

“Addressing climate change is a key priority for the Pacific, and the Albanese Labor Government is working hard to restore Australia’s climate leadership at home and abroad.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen

“Climate change is no longer an abstract concern, it’s a reality and an existential threat for Pacific nations. Australia is working with our Pacific neighbours to strengthen their energy security and accelerate the renewable energy transformation across our region.

“Each step we take to fight climate change is a step back from the brink, and Australia is dedicated to working with our Pacific neighbours to make sure our next steps are the right ones.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy

“The five-year REnew Pacific program shows our commitment to bringing affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific region.

“This will help improve living standards and create jobs. We are strengthening the region’s climate resilience through inclusive development and support its energy transition.”