Belém, Brazil – 13 November 2025
Fiji’s rural electrification achievements took the spotlight at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where the country shared how renewable energy is transforming the lives of rural and maritime communities and strengthening long-term climate resilience.
Speaking at the High-Level Energy Dialogue on Catalysing Rural Resilience, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) has become a model for how clean energy can drive resilience, equity, and opportunity for vulnerable communities.
“Every solar panel we install powers opportunity and strengthens livelihoods,” said Dr. Michael
FREF is delivering clean, reliable power to more than 6,500 people across 20 rural communities. Supported by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom and implemented with UNDP, the programme reinforces essential community infrastructure, including cyclone-rated evacuation centres, schools, clinics, water systems, cold storage facilities, and digital connectivity hubs.
Construction of solar mini grids in Yadrana and Salia in Lau, Kioa in Cakaudrove, and Yacata has begun with all four expected to be completed by May 2026. Each system is engineered to withstand Category 5 cyclones and operated through community cooperatives to ensure long-term sustainability.
Over recent months, assessments for 21 additional sites across Kadavu, Lomaiviti, and Lau have also been completed. From all these sites, seven new communities will be selected for the next stage of expansion. Dr Michael noted that FREF’s earliest success in Vio Island continues to guide its work, with further upgrades planned.
He added that Fiji’s leadership is already influencing regional action, with Tuvalu designing a Tuvalu Rural Electrification Fund (TREF) based on Fiji’s approach. “This is Pacific solidarity in practice,” he said.
Dr Michael thanked the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) for their continued support but emphasised the need to simplify access to climate finance for small islands and communities.
“We do not need complex finance systems for projects like this,” he said. “Our communities deserve climate finance that works for them, not against them.”
Reaffirming Fiji’s targets of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, Dr Michael concluded:
“Small island nations like Fiji are not victims of climate change, we are vanguards of climate solutions.”