SOLAR POWER COMMISSIONING

PM: Navosa Village Paving Fiji’s Future Way

Fiji is moving closer to its target of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy after the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama commissioned a hybrid solar system in a village in Navosa.

Thanks to funding of $1.1 million by the European Union, Nakoro Village 50 Kw Hybrid Solar Power systems was officially opened yesterday.

European Union Acting Head of Co-operation Adrian Nicole said the EU was grateful to partner with Government.

He said this was to ensure that: “Fijians have access to reliable electrical power by 2021, to have 100 per cent renewable energy in Fiji by 2036 and to achieve net-zero emission by 2050.

“This is the future for Fiji, it shows resilience in the way that it is carbon neutral, energy is always the beginning, first step for better health, better education, internet and better jobs.”

For 81-year-old Jovili Lewamosa, it means that his forefathers wish was now fulfilled. “Finally our children can study in the evening; the women can operate sewing machines or weave mats.

“We can watch television, freeze and refrigerate food, use computers and run labour-saving appliances and machinery,” Mr

Lewamosa said.

Dependence on generators reduces

Mr Bainimarama said dependence on generators to give power a few hours a day had changed when the new hybrid solar power system was completed last month.

“This is the beginning of a new era in Nakoro – an era of greater convenience and greater prosperity.

“This modern, sustainable, carbon-free electrical power system,” he said.

He added the terrain and relative isolation of the village had made it prohibitively expensive to extend the national electrical grid to it.

“Rural communities present a special challenge, especially where electrical power is concerned.

“And that means we will have to find creative solutions for some of our rural villages. Fortunately, the best solutions today to provide power to rural villages in Fiji are suitable, and most produce no carbon emissions,” he said.

He thanked the European Union on behalf of every Fijian for the friendship and support in the installation of the hybrid solar system.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with European Union acting head of cooperation Adrian Nicole during the commissioning of the 50 KW Nakoro Solar Hybird Project at Nakoro, Navosa on August 25, 2020.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (centre) with Makelesi Liku, Veniana Naulu and Reapi Talo during the commissioning of the 50 KW Nakoro Solar Hybird Project at Nakoro, Navosa on August 25, 2020.