BPP Partnership Impact Series: Piloting a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities
Since its launch, the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) has worked with ambitious partners to deliver meaningful, lasting change in communities across the world. The BPP Partnership Impact Series celebrates the outcomes and lessons from our partnerships, highlighting their contributions to inclusive economic growth, resilience and sustainable development.
Our Off-Grid Renewable Energy partnerships across the Pacific and Timor-Leste focused on sustainable, locally-led solutions that expand energy access for remote and rural communities, while delivering tangible social and economic benefits. They are pilots for REnew Pacific, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific’s (AIFFP) $75 million investment to scale off-grid renewable energy across the region. This partnership installed a solar energy system and Starlink internet connectivity at a remote primary school in Fiji, providing 24/7 power to support digital learning and improved quality of life for teachers.
Piloting a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities
The partnership between It’s Time Foundation, the Fiji Ministry of Education and the Australian Government, through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), is transforming access to education in remote communities in Fiji.
Piloted at Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi Island, the project delivers a sustainable solar energy model that combines reliable power, high-speed internet connectivity and a first-of-its-kind independent maintenance fund designed to ensure long-term system performance and provide a scalable model for small-scale renewable infrastructure across the Pacific.
Prior to installation, the school relied on limited and inconsistent electricity, constraining teaching, learning and access to digital tools. Today, the school benefits from 24-hour power and connectivity, enabling e-learning, improved teaching delivery and access to global education resources.
Students can now learn using digital tools, while teachers have greater capacity to deliver lessons and access professional development. Reliable electricity has also improved quality of life for teachers and their families, supporting lighting, device charging and basic household appliances in a remote island setting.
Key highlights
Highlights from the BPP partnership included:
- 115 students now benefiting from reliable 24/7 solar power and connectivity at school
- Diesel use eliminated, with approximately 2,040 litres saved annually
- Approximately $6,770 per year in fuel costs redirected to education resources
- Estimated 5.47 tonnes of emissions avoided annually
- Improved access to digital learning, teaching resources and professional development.
Delivery snapshot
- 6 kW solar PV system with 22.8 kWh battery storage installed
- 24/7 power and connectivity across the school and four teacher homes
- Starlink internet with mesh network across the campus
- Independent Solar Fund Fiji established to support long-term operations and maintenance
Reliable energy and connectivity are transforming education delivery at Buakonikai Primary School. Students and teachers now have consistent access to computers, smart TVs and digital learning tools throughout the day, while high-speed internet connects the school to global education platforms. Night-time study is now possible, particularly during exam periods.
The project is also improving access and inclusion for remote and underserved communities. Students and teachers, including those with additional learning need, benefit from improved access to resources and support services, while connectivity enables access to specialist education and disability support through the Ministry of Education. Female teachers and students also benefit from improved learning environments and access to digital tools, alongside safer and more comfortable living conditions for teachers and their families.
The project demonstrates a sustainable model for long-term operations and replication. The Solar Fund Fiji provides a dedicated and protected funding mechanism for maintenance and system longevity. It is a first of its kind in the region and supports a 20-year system design life. The model provides a replicable approach for small-scale renewable infrastructure across the Pacific, with strong alignment to government and partner priorities supporting scale and adoption.
Delivering on Rabi Island required coordination across complex logistics, including sea and land transport to a very remote site. These challenges were managed through established delivery systems and long-term contractor relationships. Establishing the Solar Fund Fiji required additional time and coordination, including governance design and stakeholder engagement. This resulted in a robust, locally relevant model for long-term system performance with strong potential for scaling and replication.
Building on the Buakonikai pilot, the model is now being delivered through REnew Pacific across at least 32 additional remote schools and teacher homes in Fiji. These systems will provide 24-hour solar power, Starlink internet and small computer labs, enabling e-learning and improving teaching conditions. Fuel savings from replacing diesel generators will be redirected to learning resources and ongoing system maintenance. Long-term performance will be supported through the Solar Fund (Fiji), which will fund maintenance across participating schools and support delivery at scale.
View the full partnership impact story below or download here.
