Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will end his time at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau by announcing funding for a solar battery project for the host nation, as he faces scrutiny about low interest in next month’s pre-COP 31 summit in Fiji and Tuvalu.

Palau’s solar farm, located at Ngatpang on Babeldaob, has been financed by a $31.4 million package through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific

On Thursday, Australia’s Prime Minster will join Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps Junior, to mark another key milestone, the delivery of extra battery storage at the site.

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The battery storage is part of an additional $16.4 million investment to upgrade Palau’s electricity grid as it shifts towards renewable power.

The battery upgrade will double energy storage capacity at the facility, increase renewable energy to 25 per cent of Palau’s total electricity generation and displace more than one million litres of diesel consumption annually.

“Palau has shown strong leadership on climate action and sustainable development, and Australia is proud to support those efforts,” Albanese says.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Palau. Credit: 7NEWS

“Australia is committed to partnering with our Pacific family on climate action as we prepare to deliver the Pre-COP Leaders’ event in Fiji and Tuvalu later this year.”

Attendance to climate conference in the spotlight

On Wednesday, Albanese defended the Federal Government’s investment of more than $20 million in next month’s pre-COP climate conference in Tuvalu and Fiji.

Taxpayers’ funding is being used for broadcasting, accommodation and event management.

Fiji’s Foreign Minister has confirmed only five nations outside of the Pacific are sending leaders.

Antigua and Barbuda, Cape Verde, Thailand, Maldives, and East Timor are confirmed.

Albanese defended the government’s investment in the pre-COP climate conference. Credit: 7NEWS

Germany, South Korea and Mexico are sending Ministers to the meeting.

PM and 7NEWS reporter butt heads

At a press conference at the Pacific Islands Forum the PM was asked by Martin: “Is that money well spent, considering only five leaders are showing up?”

Albanese replied: “That’s not true. With respect, you are being so disrespectful to the Pacific Leaders who are here”.

He was asked again: “Five world leaders. Global. Well, outside of the Pacific?”

And replied: “Well, sorry, but we need to actually have some respect for the process.”

Then a follow up question: “What about respect for taxpayers?”

Albanese then finished his answer.

7NEWS reporter Josh Martin and Albanese have tense exchange. Credit: 7NEWS

“And respect for our Pacific leaders. And Australia has an absolute interest in engaging with the Pacific. The entry fee for credibility in the Pacific, including on national security issues,” he said.

“And there’s lots of rhetoric about national security, but if you want to look at what the cost would be of an event or some of the things that countries might want to do in the Pacific, what the cost would be of response to that, then I tell you what, you’re not talking about those sort of figures.

“You’re talking about a much, much larger figure.

“Now we have an absolute interest in engaging with the Pacific respectfully, treating them for the world leaders that they are, as well as the global agencies who will all be at pre-COP.

“There isn’t one leader here who has criticised Australia for our support for bringing the pre-COP to the Pacific. In fact, it is the opposite.”

The Pre-COP31 climate preparatory meeting will take place in Fiji and Tuvalu from October 5 to 8, 2026.

Who actually shows up to the event, and who doesn’t, is sure to generate more headlines.