This year, we mark Earth Day with the theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so that we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

Shifting toward renewable energy is no longer a choice, but a necessity. Take a look at five ways in which countries in the Pacific are embracing renewable energy:

1. Prioritizing Solar Energy in Papua New Guinea:

Solar energy is one of the most widely accessible renewable energy sources. Papua New Guinea is making great progress providing access to more affordable forms of off-gird renewable energy. As part of these efforts, solar energy systems have been installed at three Innovation Hubs across the country. These hubs serve as vibrant centers for learning and innovation, offering resources and support to local entrepreneurs, especially women and youth. Having solar energy in these Innovation Hubs ensures a reliable, sustainable power source that supports local entrepreneurship, skill-building, and economic growth, while promoting clean, off-grid energy solutions. 

Work is also underway here to build a large solar farm that will provide more clean energy to help Papua New Guinea achieve 70% electrification by 2030. As part of this initiative, local communities are being trained to use and maintain these solar systems. These efforts are not only helping the country move away from fossil fuels but also supporting local communities and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

2. Embracing Electric Vehicles in Samoa:

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a game-changer in reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Switching to EVs help cut down on carbon emissions, especially when the electricity that powers them comes from renewable sources. Samoa is taking important steps towards cleaner, low-carbon transportation. The country is embracing electric vehicles and has updated its laws and policies to support low-carbon transportation development, including initiatives like the Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy (TSDS) and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan (SLUMP). 

Samoa is also investing in raising public awareness, training people to maintain EVs, and setting up EV charging stations for public service and private vehicles. The country is working on making transportation safer and more accessible for everyone, including women, people with disabilities, and other groups. Efforts are underway here to improve transportation emissions monitoring, while specialized electric vehicles, such as first responder fire trucks and flat-bed trucks for transporting oxygen tanks to health facilities, are being introduced.

On the maritime side, Samoa is developing a national Vessel Registry System (VRS) and exploring ways to make sea transport more environmentally friendly. This includes the creation of a fleet of five fully electric vessels, capable of transporting up to 15 people in the local coral reef area. The E-Alias, inspired by traditional boat designs, will facilitate transport between the main island of Upolu and three smaller islands.

With a focus on long-term energy sustainability, a new curriculum on EV mechanics has been developed in collaboration with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA). This curriculum will be taught in three schools. The first generation of trainers has already completed the training, received certification, and is now prepared to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of students. This initiative ensures the long-term success and sustainability of Samoa's transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation.

3. Using Clean Energy in Timor-Leste:

Timor-Leste is making significant progress in expanding renewable energy through solar power to provide clean and reliable energy to rural communities, particularly those not yet connected to the national grid. The Pacific Green Transformation Project will support the renovation and installation of solar power system and ICT equipment in 15 secondary and vocational school ICT labs, as well as the installation of solar lights and distribution of improve cooking stoves to 1,000 rural households across three municipalities in the country. 

Additionally, solar power systems are being installed at the National Medical Warehouse and two health posts, contributing to improved health service delivery to approximately 750,000 people. These systems help ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the storage of vaccines, medicines, and other life-saving supplies. By enabling consistent refrigeration and lighting, solar energy enhances the quality of care, supports emergency services, and creates safer, more functional environments for both patients and health workers. In the long term, this initiative is expected to contribute to better health outcomes and greater resilience of the healthcare system in the face of climate and energy-related disruptions.

4. Harnessing the Power of Pico-hydro in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is in the process of installing at least three pico-hydro power stations, in remote areas including Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimat on Pentecost Island. These pico-hydros will provide reliable energy sources to communities and contribute to the Vanuatu government’s efforts in achieving its National Energy Road Map commitments, benefiting over 2,000 people directly and 6,000 indirectly. Furthermore, the capacity of the local community to sustain these pico-hydro power stations is also being developed through various technical and skills trainings.

Vanuatu aims to achieve 100 percent electrification with renewable energy by 2030 as part of its commitment under the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.

5. Learning From Each Other

South-South and triangular learning experiences play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy by allowing countries to share knowledge, address common challenges, and develop sustainable solutions together. For Pacific Island countries, these exchanges provide opportunities to learn from each other’s experiences and adopt renewable energy practices that are tailored to their unique needs. By collaborating and sharing insights, countries can strengthen their collective efforts toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

For example, in December 2024, a workshop in Singapore brought together energy experts from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, and Singapore to explore renewable energy integration and energy efficiency. Similarly, in April 2025, a five-day training in Dili, Timor-Leste, focused on practical topics such as integrating renewable energy into national grids and developing fair pricing models. These events allow participants to exchange best practices and strategies, helping to ensure that the future of the energy sector is built on shared knowledge and collaborative efforts for our shared future.

These interventions are being supported through the Pacific Green Transformation Project. The Pacific Green Transformation Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, is helping communities in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu switch to renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and create sustainable, green solutions for future generations.