PCREEE Supports First SEIAPI Conference on Transitioning to Solar Energy in the Pacific Islands

Photo from left to right: Mr. Paea Tauaika (DoE- Tonga), Mr Antony Garae Liu (SPC), Mr. Solomone Fifita (Manager-PCREEE), Mr. Thomas Taoaba (DoE-Kiribati), Mr. Ben Piu (DoE-PNG)

As the Pacific Islands continue to explore avenues for accelerating its energy transition, a major conference on solar energy transition in the Pacific Islands brought together more than 200 energy stakeholders from throughout the region and beyond to discuss those avenues. The key energy stakeholders   included representatives of energy service companies, major donors and development partners, government officials, universities and technical institutions. The conference took place at the Grand Pacific Hotel on March 24 and 25, 2026, with the goal of strengthening collaboration to advance the transition to sustainable solar energy solutions.

The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE), with its effort of supporting the private sector and national energy industry associations, was among the leading supporter of the conference.  “The private sector entities are the movers of the energy transition and they need our support. I am happy that the PCREEE was able to support them through this conference”, said Paea Tau’aika of the PCREEE. The conference was an opportunity to network and foster new business partnerships among the participants.  

Convened and hosted by the Sustainable Energy Industries Associations of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) after 15 years since its formation, the conference highlighted the critical role of SEIAPI in driving market development, enhancing technical capacity, and advocating for policy and regulatory improvements. Discussions focused on scaling up solar energy deployment, improving access to finance, strengthening local industry capabilities, and addressing barriers to private sector participation in Pacific Island Countries. Women participation in the energy transition received a special emphasis in the conference.

PCREEE emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and capacity building to achieve national and regional energy targets, including increased renewable energy penetration and improved energy efficiency. A draft solar quality infrastructure framework and management system was presented to the conference as well as the role of the PCREEE in the energy transition. The PCREEE also reaffirmed its ongoing support to SEIAPI members through technical assistance, training programs and facilitation of energy investment forums.

PCREEE also sponsored representatives from the national energy industry associations of Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Tonga to attend the conference, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of their established national Sustainable Energy Industry Associations.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to strengthen partnerships, enhance coordination among national associations, and work collectively towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for the Pacific.

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