Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

RFP: Scoping Study for a Renewable Energy Upgrade Programme for the Pacific

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) invites proposals from suitably qualified suppliers to undertake a scoping study for the Renewable Energy Upgrade Programme for the Pacific (RE-UP).

RE-UP will identify and prioritise a portfolio of renewable energy and electricity network upgrade investments across the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Kiribati. The programme aims to increase renewable electricity generation, strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and support Pacific countries to meet their renewable energy and climate commitments.

MFAT is seeking a supplier to identify, assess and prioritise investment opportunities with an indicative capital value of approximately NZD 20 million. The scope focuses on improving the performance, reliability and utilisation of existing renewable energy assets and associated network infrastructure, including battery energy storage systems, control systems and grid upgrades. New generation sites, privately owned assets and standalone renewable energy projects are excluded.

The successful supplier will:
- Undertake desktop reviews and stakeholder engagement with MFAT, partner governments, utilities and development partners.
- Develop a transparent investment assessment and prioritisation methodology.
- Identify and assess renewable energy and network upgrade opportunities.
- Complete site investigations and technical assessments.
- Prepare a prioritised investment portfolio, implementation roadmap and procurement recommendations.

The assignment is expected to be completed over approximately 4 to 6 months and will require a multidisciplinary team with expertise in renewable energy engineering, power systems, asset management, investment analysis, stakeholder engagement and Pacific infrastructure delivery. Experience working with Pacific utilities and utility scale renewable energy systems is highly desirable.

The outputs will provide MFAT with an evidence-based investment portfolio that can be delivered quickly, cost effectively and with a high likelihood of successful implementation, supporting future investment and procurement decisions across the Pacific energy sector.

Indicative Procurement Timetable
Supplier briefing: 19th August 2026 - please contact to register
Questions close: 28th August 2026
Proposals close: 2nd September 2026
Contract commencement: Expected October 2026

Please ensure you meet all preconditions prior to submitting a response.

Department/Business Unit: Crown Funding