Locations
Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific
VANUATU GREEN TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
Green Transformation Initiative
About the Project
The Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET) is a flagship national initiative supporting Vanuatu’s transition to 100 percent renewable, reliable and inclusive energy access by 2030, in line with the National Energy Road Map (NERM). Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Vanuatu through the Department of Energy (DoE) of the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Metereology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, VGET addresses one of the country’s most persistent development challenges: limited access to electricity in rural and remote island communities.
Vanuatu remains among the least electrified countries in the Pacific. Many rural households continue to rely on small solar lanterns or costly fossil-fuel generators, constraining access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and economic opportunities. VGET responds to this challenge by deploying off-grid, clean renewable energy systems, strengthening national and community capacity, and ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are included in the energy transition.
Beyond infrastructure, VGET combines renewable energy deployment, skills development, institutional strengthening and inclusive livelihood creation, delivering climate action alongside social and economic transformation. The project contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions reductions, reduced fossil-fuel dependence, improved service delivery, and increased community resilience in disaster-prone areas directly contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by linking clean energy access with inclusive and climate-resilient development.
- The project advances SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by expanding access to reliable, renewable electricity in remote and underserved communities.
- It promotes SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by actively empowering women and girls through targeted skills development, leadership roles and green livelihood opportunities within the energy sector.
- Through the creation of green jobs, support to local enterprises and skills training, VGET contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
- By deploying decentralized renewable energy infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacity, the project supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), particularly in rural and island contexts.
- Its inclusive, community-driven approach ensures that no one is left behind, directly advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by reaching remote populations and prioritizing youth, women and persons with disabilities.
- Finally, by reducing fossil-fuel dependence and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, VGET contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and supports Vanuatu’s national climate and energy commitments.
Key Issues
According to the latest Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) energy update, 80% of the concession area's energy source is non-renewable or diesel.
According to the Post PAM Mini-Census Report, only 30% of the population have access to a reliable energy source, and 70%, including those in remote rural areas, need more access to secure and reliable energy services.
Vanuatu’s 2017 census indicates that 71% of the nation’s roughly 300,000 people lack access to grid electricity.
Key Planned Objectives
- To contribute to the achievement of the National Energy Road Map (NERM), i.e. 100% electrification with renewable energy by 2030, through the installation of at least 3 pico hydro projects·
- To increase access to clean energy in remote off-grid areas of Vanuatu and strengthen resilience of rural communities through renewable energy sources·
- To ensure operational sustainability of the newly installed renewable energy systems through strengthened capacity of national and local government in operation and maintenance
Achievements
Project Development and Planning:
- Site Assessments: Eight remote locations were assessed for pico hydro potential between March 15 and April 15, 2024. Four sites were identified as suitable for further development, while the remaining four required additional investigation.
- Detailed Design: Detailed designs for the four priority sites were developed from May 1 to June 30, 2024, in close collaboration with the Department of Energy and local stakeholders. The designs included expanding electrical networks to reach nearby communities.
- Environmental and Social Management Plans: Site-specific plans were completed between July 1 and November 30, 2024, outlining measures to address potential environmental and social impacts. These plans built upon the results of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments conducted in December 2023.
- Permits: The Environment Permits and Water Works Permits were received on September 15, 2024, allowing for civil construction and water works at the four sites.
- Invitation to Bid: The ITB for constructing pico hydro systems was published in April 2024 inviting bids for the three priority sites (Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat) and an additional site (Nambwarangiut) as a backup.
Project Implementation:
- Community Engagement: Another round of community visits were conducted from July 11 to 19, 2024, to assess energy needs and willingness to pay. The data collected was analysed to inform the project design and implementation.
- Contract Signing: A contract was signed with ENCO Private Limited on August 26, 2024, for the construction of hydropower systems at Waterfall and Melsisi sites.
- Contractor Mobilization: The contractor mobilized to Vanuatu on October 20, 2024, and set to begin site establishment, control point creation, topography surveys, and powerhouse design by November 30, 2024.
- Performance Guarantees: The contractor provided performance guarantees to Fiji CO on September 30, 2024, committing to complete construction on time and with zero defects, monitored over a year post completion in August 2025.
- Larimaat ITB: The evaluation of the Larimaat Pico Hydro project's Invitation to Bid (ITB) has been finalized. The evaluation case will now be submitted to UNDP's Procurement Oversight and Procurement Review Committees for review and endorsement. Following their approval, the contract is expected to be issued in November 2024.
Capacity Development and Planning:
- Socio-Economic Evaluability Assessment: The SEEA was conducted by a third-party evaluator in September 2024. The report will assess the project's contribution to climate targets and the protection of vulnerable communities.
- Capacity Development Plan: The development of the capacity development plan, including its detailed action plan, is expected to be completed by November 30, 2024. The plan underwent a stakeholder consultation in August 2024.
- Community-Based Management System: The development of the CBMS for managing and operating the three sites, including a prepaid voucher system, is expected to be finalized by November 30, 2024.
Expected Outcomes
Video Gallery
Impact Stories
Jocelyn Matan: Looking for a fridge anticipating the arrival of electricity
Walking the Path to Energy Transformation
Five Ways Countries in the Pacific are Adopting Renewable Energy Practices
Sevina’s Journey from Loltong to Pentecost’s Energy Future
The Chief Who Builds Light with His People: The Story of Isaiah Tabi of Waterfall
Field Lessons from Pentecost: Vanuatu’s Youth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Blogs
How Green Energy can help prevent Gender-Based Violence in the Pacific
From Kava to Cookies: Youth Entrepreneurs Leading Change in Vanuatu
International Day of Clean Energy: Powering Vanuatu's Future Through International Partnership
Impact
START DATE
February 2023
END DATE
December 2025
STATUS
Ongoing
PROJECT OFFICE
Fiji
IMPLEMENTING PARTNER
UNDP
DONOR
Government of Japan
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
$4,622,265
DELIVERY IN PREVIOUS YEARS
2023 $64,638
2024 $ 2,641,071
(as of 11 March 2025)
Publications
Recent News and Events
Photo Gallery
Contact Information
Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET)
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Joint Presence Office
Level 4, Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
Rue Mercet, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Tel: (678) 27709
Mobile: (678) 5507278/ 5545236
imran.khan@undp.org