CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 3 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:
Australia and Palau are working together to super-charge the Pacific's renewable energy transition, massively reducing reliance on diesel fuel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr today visited Palau's first large-scale solar power plant at Ngatpang on Babeldaob.
The solar power plant has been financed by a $31.4 million package through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
Leaders marked the delivery of additional battery storage, a key milestone in a further $16.4 million AIFFP investment to upgrade Palau's electricity grid.
The upgrade will double energy storage capacity at the facility, increase renewable energy to 25 per cent of Palau's total electricity generation and displace more than one million litres of diesel consumption annually.
Leaders visited the facility to highlight how innovative partnerships can accelerate the shift to renewables and strengthen energy security and affordability.
The visit followed the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting, where the Prime Minister announced a $1.89 million Australian contribution to support PIF Leaders' proposal to create a Pacific Renewable Energy Commissioner.
Once appointed, the Commissioner will support the region on a sustainable pathway towards a 100 per cent renewable energy future, including by advocating for more investment in renewables.
This week's meeting of PIF builds climate change momentum ahead of the Pacific Pre-COP in Fiji and leaders event in Tuvalu.
This critical meeting ahead of COP31 will amplify Pacific voices on the world stage, giving the region and Australia unprecedented influence over international climate negotiations.
Prime Minister Albanese also announced Australia's $25 million partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme over five years to advance shared climate and environmental priorities.
Australia will also continue to support the Pacific's longstanding international ocean leadership, contributing $1.7 million for the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and $1 million for the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"Today we saw firsthand how Australia and Palau's close collaboration is delivering tangible benefits by helping provide cleaner, more reliable energy for homes, businesses and schools.
"Palau has shown strong leadership on climate action and sustainable development, and Australia is proud to support those efforts.
"Australia is committed to partnering with our Pacific family on climate action as we prepare to deliver the Pre-COP Leaders' event in Fiji and Tuvalu later this year."
Quotes attributable to Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen:
"We're backing a cleaner, more secure energy future for the Pacific.
"Australia will provide $1.89 million to help establish the new Renewable Energy Commissioner for the Pacific, supporting investment in renewable energy, strengthening energy security and helping lower power costs across the region.
"The Commissioner will help turn ambition into action by bringing together governments, investors and development partners to accelerate renewable energy projects and deliver lasting benefits for Pacific communities."
Quotes attributable to Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy:
"We recognise climate is the Pacific's number one priority - and we're committed to working with the region on the issues that matter.
"We're pleased to support this project which will accelerate the shift to renewables and help to make energy more reliable and affordable in Palau."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
