Biomass Plant Supports COP23
The commissioning of the new Biomass Energy Plant for Nabou Green Energy was in line with Fiji’s stand against climate change and an added boost to COP23. GIMCO Chairman Sang Sun Lee said this would be a backing for Prime Minister Voreqe Bainamarama as President of COP 23 in that Fiji can now boast that they have such renewable energy.
Mr Lee said the project had many challenges.
“After identifying location,we did not want to obtain funding from local banks because this is the first such project in Fiji.”
“So we secured 100 percent funding from our Korean shareholders. This is not easy. The success shows the confidence we have in Fiji and your government.
“The construction of the Biomass project is a highly specialised area. We have many construction challenges. Most things come from overseas so we have to rely on import and logistic challenges but we managed to complete this project on time – even after TC Winston.
“Because of the success of this power plant construction, we can obtain funding for other projects in Fiji. This is good for Fijian people’s employment, economy and future.” He said with the success of these power plants. Fiji would imports less diesel for supplying electricity.
“The hundreds of millions in foreign exchange saved from such projects can be used for the construction of roads, hospital and schools for the Fijian people.
“For us the opening of the project has come at a very good time when Fiji is demonstrating leadership in climate change.
“We are serious partner in the energy sector and we commit to do our best and continue to bring to Fiji meaningful investments that will support foreign investments.
“To the people of Navutu, let me say that is project is now part of the vanua development and we hope to be closely connected with you in future developments in your area.”
Mr Lee said they were planning the next project with similar capacity to be built in Sabeto, Nadi.
He said they were also working with the Ministry of Forest to see there was sufficient forest Biomass resources through effective re-a forestation programmes.
The company was also planning to export wood waste pellets that would become an income earner for Fiji if all went as plan.
Biomass For Fiji’s Future?
More biomass plants were being planned on being built around the country following the opening of the first ever plant in Nabou, Nadroga.
The second biomass plant was expected to be set up in Sabeto, Nadi.
This was anniounced by the Chief Executive Officer of Nabou Green Energy, Jun Hyung Lee during its opening by the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum yesterday.
Mr Lee said they had faced a lot of difficulties and challenges at the start of the project but with Government and the support of the community, the power plant was completed.
The Fiji Electricity Authority will buy power from NGE and the output from the plant was enough to supply the whole of Nadi and parts of Nadroga Province.
Mr Lee called for the continuous support of all stakeholders for the future.
“We are also planning to expand this successful biomass model to other areas in Fiji.
“The replication of this model can greatly assist the nation shift away from fossil fuels and move towards clean and renewable energy.
“I want to share this Bimass Energy dream to empower Fiji.”