Call for Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships in the Pacific and Timor-Leste

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is calling for applications from potential business partners to trial new ideas or implement established, high-quality solutions for delivering reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Significant progress has been made to increase electricity access across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. However, there are still around 3.7 million people in the region, including a disproportionate number of women, who do not have a reliable and affordable source of energy. Many of those without energy access live in remote and rural locations, are not served by an electricity grid, and rely on expensive and polluting fuels, like imported diesel, for electricity generation.

Many of the Pacific Island countries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, marked by their exposure to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing ocean ecosystems. The Australian Government is committed to climate action, including through a strong portfolio of climate-focussed investments to support the Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to meet their ambitious targets.

The Call for Off-grid Renewable Energy Partnerships in the Pacific and Timor-Leste is part of AIFFP’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP). The PCIFP will expand AIFFP’s climate investments through a competitive grant program, implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP).

The Call for Partnerships aims to:

Increase access to reliable and affordable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities
Improve lives, livelihoods and climate resilience of remote communities, especially women and people with disabilities
Market test new technologies and approaches to foster investment in sustainable services to support the renewable energy transition

The call will support two funding windows:

Scope

The following renewable energy solutions would be considered to be within the scope of this Call for Partnerships:

Micro and mini-grids that meet the needs of small communities serving up to 300 households
Community and business infrastructure powered by renewable energy, such as solar irrigation and cold storage
Biogas and mini-hydropower solutions
Transitioning existing remote infrastructure reliant on fossil fuels to environmentally sustainable alternatives
Single household energy connections, including household solar, provided they clearly meet community needs and include viable strategies for maintenance
Upgrades to existing off-grid connections may also be considered

All partnership concepts should support solutions that address specific climate impacts on women and create opportunities for women’s active participation and/or leadership. Partnerships are also strongly encouraged that seek to improve outcomes for people living with disability and/or socially excluded groups.

All products and technologies implemented through these partnerships must be high quality and ethically sourced. Successful applications must be sure that any initiatives adhere to principles of efficient, effective, economical and ethical procurement of materials and products, including taking action to identify and address modern slavery risks in their procurement supply chains.

Eligibility, Selection and Funding Details*

Eligibility and Selection and Funding Details*

Partnerships comprise either an individual organisation or a consortium of organisations, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
A co-contribution is required to ensure that both DFAT and partners are investing in the partnership and committed to long-term sustainability.
- Piloting Solutions initiatives require a meaningful cash or in-kind contribution by partners, demonstrating commitment to the implementation and sustainability of the proposed initiatives. More significant cash contributions will be viewed favourably in the selection process.
- Scaling Solutions initiatives require a cash co-contribution of at least 25% of the funding amount during the implementation period.
- Additional cash and/or in-kind contributions beyond these requirements will be viewed favourably in the selection process.
Partnership implementation periods can range from 12-24 months
Applications may be submitted by businesses, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, governments, utilities or other entities. At least one private sector partner needs to be included in the partnership.
Applications including women-owned businesses, Australian First Nations businesses or other Australian First Nations organisations are encouraged to apply.
Applicant organisations can originate from any country but at least one partner must be eligible to operate in the Pacific or Timor-Leste.
For more information, please visit the Guidelines for Applicants.

Application Process

Create a profile on Smartygrants and submit a brief concept note before 23 October 2023.
Concept notes will be assessed on a rolling basis during the application period, starting with a first round on 12 September 2023. Highly promising applications may be progressed before the closing date.
Shortlisted applicants are supported to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals are assessed and successful applicants proceed to due diligence and contracting.
Kick off meetings are held to develop a workplan, a monitoring plan, and agree on partnership “ways of working”.
Implementation begins!

Information Sessions

Two information sessions will be held to provide further context and respond to any questions regarding the application process.

If you are unable to attend a session, please contact [email protected] to request a recording link or schedule a brief one-to-one discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about applying and eligibility for the BPP’s Off-grid Renewable Energy Partnerships in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

https://thebpp.com.au/call-for-partnerships/bpp-call-for-off-grid-renewable-energy-partnerships-in-the-pacific-and-timor-leste/