Fiji’s $10 Million Solar Project Under Environmental Scrutiny

The Fiji Development Bank is currently conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its $10 million solar farm project located in Bureta, Lau. Acting CEO Titilia Vakaoca-Kamil provided updates during the presentation of the bank’s financial reports for 2022 and 2023 to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. She emphasized that the bank is collaborating closely with the Environment Department to ensure compliance with environmental procedures.

Vakaoca-Kamil noted that since being accredited under the Green Climate Fund in 2017, the solar farm has progressed. There was a necessary adjustment in the project site, as the designated area was modified based on feedback from the residents of Bureta. The developer is currently finalizing arrangements with the Department of Environment to ensure that all conditions for the newly chosen site are met.

Additionally, this solar project represents the first initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund, with the bank’s application for $5 million taking nearly five years for approval. The installation will encompass a 4MWp solar power system over 17 acres of land leased from local villages. Notably, the land beneath the solar panels will still be utilized for farming, allowing local communities to grow root crops and vegetables, thereby supporting both energy production and agricultural activity.

This project not only signifies a great step towards renewable energy in Fiji but also highlights the bank’s commitment to sustainable practices that benefit local communities. By integrating farming with solar energy production, the initiative offers a dual benefit: enhancing energy security and promoting local agriculture.

In summary, the solar farm project in Bureta is making significant progress towards its environmental assessments, while also fostering community engagement and sustainable development in the region. There’s hope that this endeavor will pave the way for more renewable energy projects in Fiji, leading to a greener and more sustainable future.