Vanuatu has taken another major step toward its clean energy transition for the future as it launched it’s first-ever gender study on the green energy transition, focusing on Pentecost.
The gender study, carried out under the Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project (VGET), highlights how women, youth, and people with disabilities can participate in and benefit from the country’s shift to renewable energy.
Findings shows that while Vanuatu aims for 100% renewable energy by 2030, equal participation of all groups is essential.
At the official launch, Acting Director of the Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC), Abraham Nasak, said the study will help strengthen policies and development toward a more inclusive green transition.
“The energy transition cannot be achieved through technology alone—it requires social transformation,” Nasak said.
“The study provides evidence of how women, youth, and persons with disabilities experience the energy transition and the barriers they face in accessing opportunities, skills, and leadership. These realities tell us that our policies must evolve if we are to achieve truly inclusive and sustainable progress.”
The launch in Port Vila brought together government officials, development partners, and women leaders from Pentecost—where three new pico-hydro power stations are located at Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat.
Once completed before Christmas this year, these projects will provide clean and reliable energy to over 700,000 households and about 3,000 people.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel said the study serves as a “call to action”.
Through the Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project, more than 50 women in Pentecost have been trained in leadership and business skills related to green energy.
Jocelyn Matan, a restaurant owner in Penticost, said the project has brought real change to women’s lives in her area.
“We used to find it hard to prepare food and make fire, but now with power, it helps us cook with light and electricity. It also helps people working in the dispensary,” she said.
Around 3,000 people in the community are expected to gain access to electricity before the end of this year.
This initiative is a milestone for the people of Penticost achieved by MOCC with partnerships from Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA), other government agencies, UNDP and the government of Japan.
