The Fijian government has set an ambitious target to ensure that every citizen has access to electricity by the year 2029. During the EFL Development Partners Roundtable held in Suva, Mikaele Belena, the director of Energy within the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, outlined key goals for the electricity sector. These objectives encompass achieving 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36 percent, in line with Fiji’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Belena emphasized that these goals are based on Fiji’s Low Emission Development Strategy and the upcoming National Renewable Energy Roadmap. He highlighted the importance of improving energy access, enhancing grid reliability, and adapting to climate change as fundamental aspects of their mission.
A pivotal element of this initiative is the Electricity Fiji Limited’s (EFL) $2 billion Renewable Energy and Grid Investment Program, deemed a critical national priority. The Department of Energy fully supports this endeavor as it effectively addresses pressing sector needs, such as introducing new renewable energy generation sources, expanding hydropower, integrating large-scale solar and battery energy storage systems, and modernizing the transmission infrastructure across Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and the maritime islands.
The government remains dedicated to providing sustainable, reliable, and affordable electricity to all Fijians, which is essential for fostering socio-economic development and improving the overall quality of life. These commitments are articulated in national planning documents, including the National Development Plan for 2025-2029, Vision 2050, and the National Energy Policy for 2023-2030.
This ambitious agenda illustrates Fiji’s commitment to sustainable development and a greener future while seeking to enhance the lives of its citizens.
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