Japan is to give $US2.3 million for the installation of 1000 solar home systems in 41 villages in Lau, Lomaiviti, Yasawa and Ba.



Ministry for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Permanent Secretary Francis Kean said the deal supports the United Nations' International Year of Sustainable Energy For All.



Kean said the ministry is also looking at desalination plants worth $US1.7m, with funds accessed from the Pacific Environment Community Fund.”



The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s acting secretary general Feleti Teo said the initiative will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of about 358,000kg of carbon-dioxide each year.



By Farzana Nisha