Australia is putting new money into the Pacific’s transition to clean energy, with a seven-million-dollar commitment announced as Fiji hosts the Pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi.

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says the funding is part of practical support for Pacific countries as they work to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

He says clean energy is not only about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“For small island developing states, it is about energy security. It is about economic resilience. And ending our costly dependence on imported fuels,” Bowen said.

The announcement comes as fuel prices and energy security remain major concerns for Pacific island countries, many of which rely heavily on imported fuel to generate electricity and power transport.

Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya says the move towards clean energy is particularly important for the region.

She says Fiji is working to advance clean electrification and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Tabuya says Fiji is also looking at investment in sustainable blue economy solutions, clean shipping and coastal protection as part of its wider climate response.

“Clean energy is not just about cutting emissions,” Bowen said.

“It is about energy security. It is about economic resilience.”

Australia has also announced a one-million-dollar contribution to the Time Foundation, which will work with Fiji’s Ministry of Education to expand solar power in remote and maritime schools.

The initiative is aimed at bringing renewable energy to schools that are often located away from Fiji’s main electricity networks.

Bowen says the focus will be on seeing more solar schools across Fiji, particularly in remote and maritime areas.

Australia has also signed an Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition Memorandum of Understanding with Vanuatu, aimed at strengthening renewable energy capability in the Pacific.

Tabuya welcomed the partnership, saying the Pacific needs practical support as it moves away from fossil fuels.

She says the region’s climate response must be grounded in Pacific realities, including the importance of the ocean, indigenous stewardship and the economic challenges faced by island countries.

Bowen says Australia wants to turn its diplomatic commitments to the Pacific into tangible investment.

“We commend Australia for turning diplomatic commitments into tangible capital for the Blue Pacific,” Tabuya said.

The new funding is being announced as Fiji, Australia and Tuvalu work together as hosts of the Pre-COP process ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Both ministers say the Pacific needs stronger representation in global climate negotiations, with issues including clean energy, climate finance, ocean protection and keeping the 1.5-degree goal within reach expected to remain key priorities heading into COP31.