12/10/2026
During the Public Service Commission (PSC) Day celebrations on Motalava Island in Torba Province, the National Green Energy Fund (NGEF) officially launched the solar power system at Bemisas Health Centre, marking another important milestone in improving access to reliable renewable energy for healthcare facilities in remote communities.
The solar system was officially commissioned on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, by the Chairman of the NGEF Board, who is also the Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change Vanuatu, Mr. David Gibson, together with the Acting Secretary General of Torba Province. The ceremony was attended by the Director of Public Health under the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jenny Steven, health centre staff, representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, and the Secretary of the NGEF Board at the Bemisas Health Centre premises.
Located in Nerenigman Village on Motalava Island, Bemisas Health Centre provides essential healthcare services to the people of Motalava and surrounding islands. Through the partnership between the Ministry of Health and the National Green Energy Fund, the facility now benefits from a reliable source of clean energy, enabling healthcare workers to provide improved services both day and night in a safer and more secure environment.
The project was implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Health and the National Green Energy Fund. Under this arrangement, NGEF co-financed the project through a 40% concessional loan, while the remaining 60% was funded through a grant provided by REnew Pacific through Respond Global and HELPR 1
The solar system was installed by Global Response/HELPR and supplied by PCS Limited. Installed in 2025, the system has a generation capacity of 6.613 kW and supplies electricity to three buildings within the health centre. The system powers a range of essential medical and office equipment, including:
24 CFL light bulbs
2 HP laptops
6 phone chargers
4 electric fans
1 laser printer
1 glucometer
1 pulse oximeter
1 electronic baby scale
1 fetal Doppler (Sonicaid)
1 patient monitor
1 haemoglobin machine
1 desktop autoclave steriliser
1 diagnostic set (otoscope and ophthalmoscope)
1 portable defibrillator
Speaking during the event, Mr. Georgewin Garae, Fund Manager who is also the Secretary of the NGEF Board, highlighted the importance of the partnership between NGEF and the Ministry of Health in expanding access to reliable electricity for rural health facilities across Torba Province.
He noted that several health facilities have already benefited from this collaboration, including Lequel Health Centre on Mere Lava and Qwatvaes Health Centre on Vanua Lava Island, as well as Loh Health Centre on Loh Island.
Mr. Garae also announced that the NGEF Board recently approved two additional renewable energy projects in Torba Province. These include a solar electrification project for the Lotawan Community on Mota Island and a solar street-lighting project, further strengthening access to clean and sustainable energy for communities in the province.
The launch of the Bemisas Health Centre solar system reflects the continued commitment of the National Green Energy Fund, the Ministry of Health, and development partners to strengthening healthcare services through renewable energy solutions and improving the quality of life for people living in Vanuatu's outer islands.