Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has ambitious plans to ensure that at least 90 percent of its energy supply comes from renewable sources by 2035. Acting EFL Chief Executive Bobby Naimawi stated that the company is currently identifying and developing a range of sustainable and economically feasible projects to meet this goal.
One of the notable initiatives is the Namosi Hydro-electric scheme, for which EFL is conducting a feasibility study. Previous assessments suggest there is potential for several small hydro-electric projects in the Namosi region, and EFL aims to build on this foundation.
The next steps will depend on the results of the feasibility study, which is exploring three potential hydro-power sites in Namosi and the required infrastructure to transmit power to major electricity consumption areas. This study will evaluate the technical, commercial, environmental, and social implications of potential hydro-power operations.
Initiated in 2024, the feasibility study is set to unfold over two years and is divided into two phases:
Phase 1 involves a scoping and options analysis to explore various project scenarios, while Phase 2 will focus on a selected list of project options, incorporating detailed technical, environmental, and social evaluations.
The study will adhere to international standards to assess the potential impacts of the hydro-power initiatives while also evaluating their social and economic benefits. Naimawi emphasized that the feasibility study will specifically aim to prevent any flooding of populated or culturally significant areas and will ensure that existing settlements or villages will not be displaced due to any hydro-power projects.
Consultants, supported by development partners, are conducting the feasibility study and are engaging closely with stakeholders to address concerns of those potentially affected by the projects. The findings from this study will play a critical role in shaping Fiji’s renewable energy strategy in alignment with the National Development Plan.