Three additional independent power producers (IPPs) are anticipated to join Fiji’s national grid, coinciding with the closing of the tender process this month. This development aligns with Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) objectives to cater to rising market demands through sustainable practices.
Currently, EFL collaborates with four IPPs:
– Tropik Wood Industries, which is undergoing upgrades to its power plant in Lautoka.
– Nabou Green Energy Pte Ltd in Nadroga, which has resumed services following ownership issues.
– Fiji Sugar Corporation, providing seasonal energy in line with the sugarcane harvest, alongside a solar farm.
EFL’s board chairman, Rokoseru Nabalarua, indicated that Fiji’s power supply reliability is commendable. He highlighted the importance of maintaining and updating infrastructure, particularly as the growth in demand poses new challenges. This demand has surged year-on-year by four to five percent, with last year’s growth reaching nearly nine percent, a clear indication of ongoing economic momentum.
New CEO Fatiaki Gibson emphasized the dual focus on enhancing current infrastructure while also advancing new projects, referring to the urgent need for refurbishing aging facilities, including the Samabula substation, which is in need of significant upgrades.
Nabalarua also expressed a vision for a renewable energy revolution akin to the impact of Starlink in telecommunications, citing that 90 percent of Fiji’s population currently has access to electricity despite licensed restrictions. Furthermore, Fiji is known for offering some of the most affordable electricity tariffs in the region.
In a promising update, the Butoni wind farm is nearing completion of repairs, reportedly at 90 percent capacity, with full functionality expected later this year after being out of operation since 2020 due to insurance claims delays.
Projects like these reflect Fiji’s commitment to bolstering its energy infrastructure to meet increasing demand while pursuing sustainability goals. The focus on renewable energy is essential, especially as EFL aims for a significant portion of its energy mix to be derived from sustainable sources within the next few years. With economic activities on the rise, this positive outlook underscores the potential for growth and innovation in Fiji’s energy sector.
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