Thanks to the latest Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership, students in isolated Fijian communities are set to enjoy renewable energy in their classrooms.
Australia and Its Time Foundation Invest in School Solar
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The Australian Government is partnering with Its Time Foundation through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) to invest $278,000AUD ($417,924.37FJD) in creating a model for effectively monitoring and maintaining solar energy systems installed in remote Fijian schools. The Australian Government will contribute A$210,000, while Its Time Foundation will cover the remaining amount through cash or in-kind contributions.
Solar Project at Buakonikai School will serve as a Model
Building on its history of installing 30 remote school solar systems, Its Time Foundation will install a high-quality solar system at Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi Island Fiji as part of this partnership. This installation will provide reliable 24-hour power to the school and teachers' homes.
This installation will serve as a model for high-quality design, installation and remote monitoring aiming to reduce future maintenance needs. Additionally, an independent maintenance funding model will be developed to ensure ongoing resources are available. This model is designed to be scalable for other schools in Fiji and remote Pacific communities.
Sustainable Energy for Fijian Schools
Australia is dedicated to climate action in Fiji, emphasizing the sustainability of renewable energy through effective operations and maintenance. This commitment will help Fijian school children in remote communities access reliable energy, enhancing their education and achieving better outcomes for current and future generations.
“We’re excited to build on our record of installing 30 remote school solar systems in Fiji to develop a sustainable maintenance and funding model that will keep the lights on for remote school communities in Fiji and beyond, now and into the future.” said Rob Edwards OAM, Its Time Foundation’s Founder.
“This will enable children and young people in remote communities to access all the benefits of a modern education that increasingly relies on computers and other electronic resources, while improving the quality of life for the wider community and reducing carbon emissions.” he added.
Expanding Renewable Energy Access Through Partnerships
The Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships are an initiative under the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) to expand AIFFP’s climate investments. This effort involves collaborating with businesses to provide reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, and is implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP).
This marks the third Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership announced and the first for Fiji, following two previous launches in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.