Power for rural Taveuni
Unlocking the power of synergy
HYDRO power project work by Hydro Taveuni Pte Ltd is expected to start before the end of the year.
The company is developing a project to extract renewable hydro energy from clean mountain creeks on Taveuni island and to supply this to residents.
It will finally put power in the hands of those living in the rural areas of Taveuni.
The company was established in 2018 by its Australian parent company Hydro Developments Pty Ltd.
Managing director Dr Philip van der Riet said they have identified world class mini hydro potential on two creeks in Eastern Taveuni unknown to Energy Fiji Ltd or Government.
Limited demand
“There is limited demand in Taveuni itself but significant demand from high-end resorts in islands to the East including Qamea, Laucala and Matagi,” he said.
Dr Philip said the project would be carried out on Wainisairi Creek “A catchment fed by a lake and receiving 10 millimetres of rainfall annually while the secondary project identified on Drekeniwailevu Creek on Salialevu Estate in South Taveuni.”
While briefing the Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka, Dr van der Riet said development lease have been signed with the clan of Matakuro, a sole landowner in the power plant area.
“We have completed the topographic survey and drone mapping for the power plant,” he said.
“Also, we have signed a grant agreement signed for $US500,000 ($F1.128million) each with Asian Development Bank and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for environmental and technical development work.
“The technical feasibility study and initial environmental evaluation have been completed.”
Stage one
In August 2022 the company, he said he applied to Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission for conditional licenses under the Electricity Act 2017 to generate and transmit electricity in areas not covered by Energy Fiji Ltd.
“This allows stage one of the project to be built without Energy Fiji Limited,” he said.
“Stage one would generate 18 gigawatts per hour in a year from a 2500 kilowatts power plant at Lavena, catering for current and expected future demand in an Eastern Taveuni mini grid, and would include the capability for easy addition of stage two.”
Dr van der Riet said the company has conducted consultations with landowners along the routes of the transmission lines.
“We have received conditional agreement with Asian Development Bank regarding debt financing of project,” he said.
“However, we were supposed to get the final consent and easement from landowners along transmission line, also the environmental and social impact assessment carried out which is expected to be carried out from
February to July 2024.
“We are also yet to conduct the topographic survey and drone mapping for transmission lines with the construction of pilot farm road which is expected to be carried out from March to April 2024.”
Stage one of the project, he said, was for the company to provide affordable renewable electricity for the first time to communities, resorts, and industries in Eastern Taveuni, Qamea and other neighbouring islands.
Fuel savings
“This would be an annual saving of 4.5million litres of diesel fuel for Government and avoiding 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while protecting against the electricity cost impacts of sudden fuel price rises due to international instability,” Dr van der Riet said.
“It will greatly improve prospects for value-add agroindustries such as coconut oil and drying of taro or kava while also enhancing eco-tourism with expanded access to waterfalls and other key attractions in East Taveuni.
“The knock-on effect is more tourists visiting Taveuni, leading to economic growth and more job opportunities.”
Dr van der Riet said stage two of the project would be the provision of 7500 kilowatts renewable energy project for the North of Fiji, with long term impact matching that of Monasavu in Viti Levu.
This, he added, would bring affordable electricity for the first time to at least 10,000 inhabitants in the north of Fiji that still live without power.
Again, a savings of more than 12 million litres of diesel fuel, avoiding 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and protecting Vanua Levu against the electricity cost impacts of sudden fuel price rises because of international instability.
Reliable power supply
“Development of a power grid in the North would have great impact on reliability of power supply, especially if larger consumers can inject energy from their backup diesel plants in cases of emergency.
“Fibre optic cabling within the transmission system resulting in great improvement in communications and internet speeds.”
Dr van der Riet said it would provide road access to Viani Bay, facilitating the development of resorts at a beautiful but scarcely known potential tourism hotspot, close to world famous Rainbow Reef and other attractions including manta ray viewing and Polynesian cultures on Kiowa and Rabi.
“It may provide the opportunity of constructing a new jetty at Viani Bay in conjunction with road access, halving ferry travel time between Vanua Levu and Taveuni,” he said.
“This will also allow establishment of amenities for divers at Rainbow Reef including a hyperbaric chamber planned at Natuvu Mission should economic power become available.”
He said it would also enable the development of a reliable high quality water supply system in the south of Taveuni, replacing existing supplies including a desalination plant and emergency water cartage, both of which are heavily diesel intensive.
IN the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the importance of collaboration and networking cannot be overstated.
Small retailers, often competing with larger corporations, find that banding together and collaborating with other business sectors can lead to numerous advantages.
From sharing resources to gaining exposure, these partnerships can be a game-changer.
In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of collaboration and networking among small retailers and explore how they can thrive in a competitive market by forging strong relationships.
1. Enhanced Resource Utilisation:
One of the primary benefits of retail networking and collaboration for small retailers is the efficient utilisation of resources.
These businesses often operate on tight budgets, and by pooling their resources, they can access services and expertise they might not have otherwise afforded.
Shared warehousing, logistics, and even marketing efforts can significantly reduce operational costs. Small retailers can combine their strengths to secure better deals from suppliers and streamline the supply chain.
2. Access to Expertise:
Collaboration opens doors to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Small retailers can connect with professionals, consultants, or mentors from diverse sectors, such as e-commerce, technology, and marketing, to gain insights into industry trends and best practices.
This access to specialised expertise can help them make informed decisions and stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
3. Market Expansion:
Small retailers often struggle with expanding their customer base.
Collaborating with other businesses can offer a mutually beneficial way to access new markets.
For example, a clothing boutique might partner with a local restaurant to cross-promote each other's businesses. This not only brings in new customers but also creates a sense of community and loyalty among the patrons.
4. Collective Marketing Power:
Marketing is a crucial aspect of retail success, and collaboration can amplify a small retailer's marketing efforts.
By teaming up with others, businesses can leverage their combined resources to launch more extensive and effective advertising campaigns.
This can include joint social media promotions, email marketing, and even shared loyalty programs.
In this age of digital marketing, a collective online presence can attract a broader audience.
5. Diversification and Risk Mitigation:
Diversification is a powerful strategy for small retailers to reduce risk.
By collaborating with businesses in different sectors, they can reduce their dependence on a single market or product. For example, a small boutique that specialises in women's fashion can partner with a local gym to create an exclusive workout wear line.
This diversification minimises the risk of a sudden drop in sales due to changing trends or unforeseen circumstances.
6. Community Engagement:
Retail networking and collaboration can foster community engagement, a valuable aspect for small retailers.
Building strong relationships with other local businesses not only enhances the sense of community but also fosters goodwill among residents.
Small retailers can engage in joint community events, fundraisers, and sponsorships, which can create a loyal customer base that prefers supporting local businesses over larger corporations.
7. Access to Funding and Investment:
Access to capital can be a significant challenge for small retailers. However, through collaboration and networking, they can gain access to potential investors, lenders, or funding opportunities.
8. Innovation and Product Development:
Collaboration with other businesses can lead to innovation and new product development.
Small retailers can work with tech companies, designers, or manufacturers to create unique products tailored to their customer base.
These innovations can give them a competitive edge and attract more customers looking for distinctive offerings.
9. Competitive Advantage:
In a world dominated by big-box retailers and e-commerce giants, small retailers must find ways to stand out.
Collaboration can provide a competitive advantage by offering personalised customer experiences, exclusive products, or special services that are hard to replicate by larger corporations. This unique value proposition can help small retailers thrive in the market.
10. Adaptation to Technological Advancements:
The retail landscape is constantly evolving with technological advancements.
Small retailers may lack the resources to stay updated with the latest trends. Collaborating with tech-savvy partners or fellow retailers can help them adapt to changing customer expectations, whether through digital storefronts, mobile apps, or advanced customer analytics.
Retail networking and collaboration are not just buzzwords; they are powerful strategies that can transform the fortunes of small retailers.
By efficiently using resources, gaining access to expertise, expanding their market, and reducing risks, small retailers can build a resilient and profitable business. Moreover, these partnerships contribute to community engagement and goodwill, paving the way for a sustainable and loyal customer base.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and innovate is crucial.
Small retailers that embrace collaboration and networking with other business sectors are better positioned to thrive in the face of competition, economic fluctuations, and changing consumer preferences. By forging strong relationships, they can unlock the power of synergy and write their success stories in the ever-competitive world of retail.