Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) will add approximately 100MW of power to its grid through renewable energy projects being developed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The formal agreement between the two parties was signed yesterday, marking a significant advancement for EFL, which aims to generate over 90 percent of Fiji’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035.
Among the potential projects is floating solar technology, described by the ADB as “a very attractive option.” Siddhartha Shah, director of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership, stated that ADB will act as an advisor to EFL in developing this renewable energy program.
The initiative will explore various options, including floating solar, battery storage, wind, biomass, and other emerging technologies. EFL chair Rokoseru Nabalarua highlighted a sharp increase in electricity demand this year, which has spiked by 10 percent, exceeding the normal annual growth rate of four percent.
This surge in demand reflects ongoing economic activity, underscoring the need for rapid advancement into renewable energy solutions and a reliable portfolio of projects to ensure a consistent supply. Although the project portfolio details remain undisclosed, EFL anticipates a timeline of 12 to 18 months to deliver initial projects.
Shah expressed optimism about starting the procurement process for these new projects by next year, with expected completion ranging from 12 to 18 months, depending on the chosen technology. Once operational, EFL’s portfolio will surpass the 80MW output of the Monasavu hydroelectric plant.