Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) is engaged in discussions with FIJI Water, an American artesian water bottler, to provide renewable energy from a planned solar farm on their Yaqara property. EFL chairman Rokoseru Nabalarua disclosed this information during the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum in Suva last month. He emphasized EFL’s goal to achieve a power generation mix of 90% renewable energy and 10% fossil fuels by 2035, noting the necessity of collaboration with various companies, including FIJI Water, to obtain surplus power from their operations.
Nabalarua highlighted the potential for FIJI Water to harness solar energy given the ample land available in Yaqara, which is recognized for its sunny conditions. EFL has encouraged FIJI Water to maximize their solar development, promising to manage the necessary infrastructure to facilitate this. He mentioned plans for FIJI Water to increase capacity for daytime energy needs, while EFL would provide support during the night.
EFL operates and oversees the national power grid in a deregulated electricity production market, allowing Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to sell electricity to EFL through Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs). EFL currently has agreements with various entities, including Fiji Sugar Corporation, Tropik Wood Industries, and Nabou Green Energy Ltd.
Additionally, Nabalarua indicated that EFL is exploring partnerships with technology developers focusing on both geothermal energy with hydrogen and solar energy combined with hydrogen to expedite the transition to renewable sources.
According to EFL’s 2023 Annual Report, IPPs contributed 6.79% to the total electricity production, while hydro plants accounted for 48.11%, and wind power contributed 0.01%. This results in a total mix of 54.91% renewable energy and 45.09% fossil fuels.