Fiji, Oct. 6 -- Australia has pledged further support for the Pacific's transition to renewable energy, while facing concerns from some Pacific countries over its role as a fossil fuel producer and exporter.

Speaking at a press conference in Nadi, Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia's approach was to reduce the need for fossil fuels by accelerating renewable energy, battery storage and electrification.

"My position remains publicly and privately. The way to transition away from fossil fuels is to build more renewable energy, to replace the need for fossil fuels," Bowen said.

But the issue of Australia's continued coal and gas development remained a point of tension at the meeting.

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