Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) will enhance its power grid by adding approximately 100MW from a series of renewable energy projects being developed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The partnership was formally established yesterday, marking significant progress for EFL, which aims to supply over 90 percent of Fiji’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035.
Among the potential projects is floating solar, which has been highlighted by ADB as a promising option. Siddhartha Shah, director of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership, stated that ADB would serve as an advisor to EFL in developing a renewable energy program capable of generating up to 100MW. The evaluation will include various options, such as floating solar technology, battery storage, and other renewable resources, including wind, biomass, and emerging technologies.
EFL chairman Rokoseru Nabalarua emphasized the rising demand for electricity, which has surged by 10 percent this year, significantly surpassing the typical annual growth rate of 4 percent. This increase is attributed to economic expansion, highlighting the urgency for EFL to invest in renewable energy projects to guarantee a stable supply.
While the specific details of the project portfolio remain undisclosed, EFL anticipates initiating the procurement process for these new projects next year. Depending on the technology selected, such as floating solar or battery systems, the first projects could be operational within 12 to 18 months. Shah expressed optimism that, within two to three years, some projects would come online, potentially even sooner.
Once operational, the capacity of EFL’s renewable energy projects is expected to exceed the output of Monasavu, which stands at 80MW.