The Albanese Government is supporting Palau’s renewable energy transition by investing a further $16.4 million to upgrade the country’s electricity network infrastructure.
The upgrade will provide improved network reliability while increasing the amount of renewable energy used in the grid. It builds on Australia’s support for Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant and battery storage facility.
This project, financed by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, has reduced carbon emissions from diesel generators and supported Palau in reaching its renewable energy targets.
Australia and Palau will today sign a letter of intent to form a bilateral partnership under the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition. A renewable energy partnership will provide practical support for Palau’s energy transition priorities, including strengthening Palau’s energy system with technical, planning and policy support, as well as providing skills and training for a renewable energy workforce.
Australia is supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy by sharing climate adaptation technologies, and by financing projects that include solar construction and hydro power refurbishment.
Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, the single largest threat to the lives, livelihoods, culture and security of Pacific peoples.
Australia will continue to work with our Pacific partners to safeguard climate resilience in the region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:
“Palau, and other Pacific nations, can count on Australia to take meaningful action on climate change – at home and in partnership with the region.
“Ensuring climate security in the Indo-Pacific is vital to sustaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“Australia is supporting Pacific nations’ transition to renewable energy and this investment is another important step in achieving this goal”.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:
“The Australian-backed solar facility will deliver around 20 per cent of Palau’s annual energy needs.
“We are committed to working with our Pacific neighbours to accelerate the renewable energy transformation and build clean energy industries across our region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
“Australia listens to the priorities of the Pacific family – and acts on them.
“From backing Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant and battery storage facility to upgrading Palau’s energy grid, Australia’s investment in Palau’s energy transition is an investment in Palau’s future.
“We will continue partnering with our Pacific neighbours to deliver on their priorities.”
