Pentecost Island – Vanuatu’s Department of Energy – with support from the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – have broken ground on work under the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET) on Pentecost Island.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in Vanuatu’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive energy access for its people. With the commencement of the construction of these pico hydro projects at Waterfall and Melsisi, Vanuatu is taking a crucial step towards providing reliable and sustainable electricity to remote, off-grid communities.

Vanuatu faces significant energy challenges, with 71 percent of the population lacking access to grid electricity as of the 2017 census. The Government of Vanuatu aims to achieve 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, as outlined in its updated National Energy Road Map (NERM) 2016-2030.

The VGET project, launched by the Government of Vanuatu and UNDP with support from the Government of Japan, is a crucial initiative to address these challenges. The project will establish three pico hydro stations at Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat on Pentecost Island, generating an estimated 65kW of electricity. Additionally, it will construct approximately 30km of electrical network, providing reliable and sustainable electricity to around 700 households in these communities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Meteorology, Geohazards, Environment and Disaster Management, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu remarked:

“This is a landmark initiative that underscores our commitment to sustainable development and energy independence. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of our communities but also paving the way for a greener, more resilient future. This groundbreaking ceremony is a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.”

The Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, His Excellency Naohisa Okuda, stated:

“Japan is honoured to support Vanuatu in its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, which will not only improve the quality of life for its citizens but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change. This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a brighter, greener future for Vanuatu, and we are proud to be part of this transformative journey.”

UNDP's team was on the ground for the event, with Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel supporting from Suva:

“We are not just building infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to empowering communities with clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Together with the Government of Vanuatu and the Government of Japan, we are taking a significant step towards achieving Vanuatu’s renewable energy goals and enhancing the quality of life for its people. This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to our shared vision of a greener, more resilient world.”

The Vanuatu Green Transformation Project is part of the Pacific Green Transformation Project which is funded by the Government of Japan to support communities in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu transition to renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and develop sustainable, green solutions for future generations.

For more information, please contact:

Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org