Remote schools across Fiji are switching to 24/7 clean solar energy, bridging the energy and technology gap for thousands of rural students under an Australian-backed initiative.
Now more than halfway complete, the REnew Pacific project has installed reliable, round-the-clock solar systems across 26 remote schools.
Alongside clean power, schools will receive new computer labs and Starlink internet connectivity, unlocking digital learning opportunities for isolated communities.
The shift away from costly diesel generators is generating over AU$150,000 in annual fuel savings, with funds redirected straight back into classrooms and educational infrastructure.
Additionally, the project is training local Fijian women in solar installation and electrical trades to build lasting technical skills within the community.
At Nuku Secondary School, which serves 121 students, Principal Veremo Qalica said the financial relief has been immediate and transformative.
“The cost of fuel, in the past decade, for the running of the school has been so enormous,” Qalica said.
“We have started to see that we have saved huge amounts of money. That money can be diverted to other areas of improvement for the school.”
Teacher Mereisi Taukena highlighted that students no longer need to travel long distances to Navua to access printing or online resources, while student Salome Seruwata noted that laptops and connectivity are now readily available whenever needed for school projects.
To ensure longevity, each installation is backed by a dedicated maintenance model via the Solar Fund (Fiji). With final school connections scheduled for later this year, the initiative, part of Australia’s broader AU$75 million off-grid renewable energy commitment across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, is delivering lasting educational outcomes.
