Twenty women power first all-female solar project in Pacific

Twenty women made Pacific history last month when they became the first all-female team to install a solar energy system in the region.

They did it on a remote Fijian island before presenting their story to a conference of over 200 energy industry leaders in Suva.

The women, drawn from the University of the South Pacific and other institutions, travelled to Waya Island in the Yasawa ahead of the inaugural Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel on March 24 and 25.

There, they installed a solar photovoltaic system, panels that convert sunlight into electricity at the Ratu Naivalu Memorial School in Yasawa.

Organised by the Its Time Foundation, the project was part of a wider women's empowerment programme that culminated in a panel session at the conference, where the women shared their experience alongside other industry leaders.

The milestone drew attention at a conference already focused on urgent change.

Students and participants gather during the women's empowerment day held ahead of the SEIAPI Solar Conference in Suva.

Photo: Supplied

Fiji is committed to generating 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035, with around $2 billion in investment planned, half of it directed at new solar capacity.

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau, who officially opened the conference, said the transition to renewable energy is not a distant goal for Fiji.

SEIAPI chair Peter Johnston said solar energy is fast becoming a key regional industry that will reduce costs, strengthen energy security and build resilience to climate change.

More than 40 speakers from across Europe, the United States, Australia and the Pacific attended the two-day event.