Australia's government announced a package of about $7.3 million to support renewable energy development across the Pacific and signed a new cooperation agreement with Vanuatu, AAP reported from pre-COP31 talks in Fiji.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the package would help Vanuatu expand renewable resources through grid modelling and support for early-career energy professionals. The memorandum with Vanuatu is intended to strengthen its renewable-energy workforce and development.
Energy Efficiency Council chief executive Luke Menzel said the funding could help Vanuatu electrify government buildings by 2030, including schools and hospitals. That is a possible outcome, not a completed result or guarantee.
AAP also reported criticism of Australia's fossil-fuel exports, an important context for the announcement. The funding and agreement are planned steps, with results still to come.
