Ministry Of Economy, KOICA Launch Renewable Energy Project
The Ministry of Economy and the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday, laying out a joint commitment to a major new renewable energy project in Fiji. KOICA will provide $7 million for a solar energy installation for Taveuni Island, which will complement and enhance the current hydropower plant and ensure that electricity generation on the island remains 100 per cent renewable for many years to come. The project on Taveuni is part of Fiji’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Roadmap and its recentlylaunched Low Emission Development Strategy. Permanent Secretary of Economy Makereta Konrote said: “This new agreement between the Government and KOICA is another step towards implementation of our national target of 100 per cemt renewable electricity and meeting our international commitment to the Paris Agreement to cut Fiji’s emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. “By doing so, we’re showing that Fiji is once again leading the world by example. We are grateful for the support from KOICA to meet these important objectives.”
The solar project on Taveuni will be implemented by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), in partnership with the Fijian Government and KOICA.
A feasibility study for an estimated 1MW of solar energy with storage is currently underway with the support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and is being overseen by EFL and the Fijian Government, with inputs from KOICA.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed by early 2019, including environmental and social impact assessments. The KOICA funding will also provide technical assistance support directly to EFL to assist in implementation of the project once the feasibility study is complete.
Jihi Kim, Director of the KOICA Fiji Country Office said: “Ever since KOICA Fiji Office reopened in 2016, we have been preparing for this first project with Fijian government.
“We are excited that we are now ready to move on to the implementation phase. KOICA acknowledges the significance of climate change in the Pacific, and delighted to support Fijian Government’s objectives in this area. We believe that the solar power will benefit more than 18,000 residents on Taveuni Island.”
The new renewable energy project will also include a capacity building component to strengthen knowledge on green growth and renewables at the sub-national level and assist in integrating Fiji’s renewable energy targets and low emission pathway into provincial and community planning. The capacity building component will be implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in partnership with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and with the support of the Fijian Government.
Source: DEPTFO News