Fiji, 8 October 2026 – A new Australia-Pacific solar mentoring program launched in Fiji today will turn climate cooperation into practical support for Pacific installers – advancing energy sovereignty and security across the region.
Launched with the in-principle support of the Australian Government, the Australia-Pacific Solar Mentoring Program brings together the Smart Energy Council and the Sustainable Energy Industry Association for Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) to connect Australian industry mentors with Pacific rooftop solar and battery installers. The partnership focuses on knowledge exchange, boosting local industry capability, and building long-term energy independence as part of a just transition.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive Officer David McElrea said the initiative demonstrates how climate discussions in the region can drive genuine self-reliance.
“Bringing climate discussions to the Pacific must be about delivering practical energy security for the region. This partnership directly supports local capability so islands can build and maintain their own clean energy futures. We are connecting installers to share skills, solve technical challenges, and create sustainable jobs across our region. The real impact of this pre-COP won’t just be what happens in negotiation rooms, but in the enduring partnerships that deliver long after delegations go home.”
– David McElrea, CEO of the Smart Energy Council Australia
The program will provide ongoing online mentoring, technical support and training, alongside annual in-region visits for joint installations and practical workshops where funding permits. The initial focus targets grid-connected solar and battery systems, assisting women in trades, and advancing industry professionalisation.
Geoff Stapleton, Executive Officer at SEIAPI, emphasized that the partnership is driven by Pacific priorities.
“Pacific businesses are already doing the work to secure our renewable energy future. This program backs those local tradespeople with ongoing peer support whenever technical challenges arise – while giving Australian mentors a chance to learn from Pacific ingenuity.”
– Geoff Stapleton, Executive Officer at SEIAPI
Pacific Power Association Executive Director Gordon Chang welcomed the focus on regional resilience.
“Achieving energy sovereignty requires direct investment in the local workforce. This partnership responds directly to regional needs, strengthens on-the-ground capability, and ensures our energy security continues long past the conference.”
Daryn Stocks, Managing Director of EPC Renewables, added: “Australian industry has practical experience to share, and much to learn in return. Working through real-world installation challenges together builds skills, confidence, and resilience on both sides.”
Fiona Dace-Lynn, Director Trade Skills, Canberra Institute of Technology, said that Australian training providers could help provide certification for training undertaken and encourage more women into trades.
“In March I was privileged to witness an all-female solar PV and battery installation crew in action in Fiji. It’s left a lasting impression on me as to what can be achieved if you encourage women to take up tools.”
The Smart Energy Council will source mentors from its membership, while SEIAPI will coordinate expressions of interest across Pacific installers.
“This is Pacific priorities translated into practical action,” Mr McElrea said. “Its lasting value lies in the local skills retained, the relationships built, and the power handed back to Pacific installers as they build energy independence.”
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Contacts:
David McElrea, CEO, Smart Energy Council | via tim.lamacraft@smartenergy.org.au +61 448 972 192
Geoff Stapleton, Executive Officer, SEIAPI | +61 418 429 255 | geoff@gses.com.au
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The Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) was formed in 2010 with the mission to create an enabling environment for the growth of sustainable energy business entities and sustainable energy equipment and/or energy services in the Pacific Islands. It’s members comprise of: sustainable energy businesses and utilities located in the Pacific Islands; companies outside the Pacific Islands who provide products and services into the Pacific Island countries and territories; training Institutes and Universities; government departments along with multi-lateral and bi-later donors.
The Smart Energy Council (SEC) is the peak independent membership body representing Australia’s renewable energy industry. A not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, we advocate on behalf of our members and the wider industry for strong energy policy, increased investment, energy security and sustainable industry growth. Our work spans residential, commercial and industrial distributed energy resources (DER), including solar PV and battery storage, rooftop solar, electrification, electric vehicles and smart transport, renewable manufacturing, large-scale renewable energy, electricity grid development and emerging energy technologies. We represent our members’ interests nationally and internationally, including across the Asia-Pacific region.
Media Contact: Tim Lamacraft, GM Media and Comms, media@smartenergy.org.au – +61 448 972 192
