Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) is negotiating with FIJI Water, an American artesian water bottler, to provide renewable energy from a proposed solar farm on the company’s land in Yaqara. EFL chairman Rokoseru Nabalarua disclosed this during the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum in Suva last month. In a discussion focused on EFL’s goal to achieve a power generation mix of 90 percent renewable energy and 10 percent fossil fuel by 2035, Nabalarua emphasized the need for collaboration with other companies, including FIJI Water, to meet this target.
FIJI Water is interested in developing solar energy, taking advantage of its extensive land in Yaqara, which is known for its ample sunlight. Nabalarua stated that EFL has encouraged FIJI Water to maximize their solar development, while EFL would manage the necessary infrastructure to integrate this power into the grid. He noted, “If they double the capacity to cover daytime needs, EFL can ensure support during the night, allowing them to supply us.”
EFL operates the national power grid, and the power production market in Fiji is deregulated, enabling Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to sell electricity to EFL through Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs). EFL currently holds agreements with Fiji Sugar Corporation, Tropik Wood Industries, and Nabou Green Energy Ltd.
Nabalarua also mentioned that EFL is exploring partnerships with various technology providers focused on geothermal energy with hydrogen and solar energy with hydrogen, as part of their strategy to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
According to EFL’s 2023 Annual Report, the three IPPs accounted for 6.79 percent of the total electricity production, while hydro power contributed 48.11 percent, and wind power made up 0.01 percent, bringing the overall renewable energy production to 54.91 percent compared to 45.09 percent from fossil fuels.