Newly opened biofuel laboratory to boost energy sector
Anew biofuel laboratory at The University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva is expected to boost Fiji and the region’s energy sector.
The laboratory which is situated at the Institute of Applied Science at the USP lower campus, is fully operational.
It is from the partnership and collaboration between the Fijian Government and the institution where an estimated $2.8 million was invested into the initiative.
It is scheduled to test at least 38 biofuel properties specifically for ethanol and biodiesel.
USP Institute of Applied Science acting director Dr Isoa Korovulavula said the lab would generate opportunities in Fiji and the region through the use of natural resources in the form of biofuel.
Dr Korovulavula said a lot of work was needed to be done to ensure the initiative would be sustainable.
“We have to create awareness and probably businesses or individuals who are interested can bring in whatever they want to sample and to find out the property they have in terms of potential biofuel commercial properties that can be put out to the market,” he said.
He said the lab was a first of its kind in the Pacific.
“Fiji is the only country which has a biofuel lab. It has a major positive impact on small island nations and raises their profile. Again, only the future will tell, in terms of the positive economic impact of such an initiative.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Meteorological Services Permanent Secretary, Taitusi Vakadravuyaca, while commissioning the laboratory, said secure, reliable, and affordable energy supplies were needed to ensure energy security and to generate sustainable economic growth.
“Fiji, through its NDC Implementation Roadmap, has committed to walk the path of low-carbon fuel growth by developing and expanding the use of clean energy sources,” Mr Vakadravuyaca said.
“Our national development plan commits to achieve 18 per cent share of renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100 per cent in the power sector alone by 2036.”
Mr Vakadrvuyaca said the benefits of the laboratory to Fiji and the region were undeniable.
“Fuel companies, regulators and stakeholders will attain faster results, meaning timely control of quality in the fuel industry. The establishment of this lab will ensure the affordability of fuel testing in Fiji and the region. Fuel companies will have access to affordable fuel testing service at their doorstep throughout the year,” he said.