$15m grant to assist Fiji’s renewable energy project

FIJI will receive a grant of $US7million ($F15.7m) from the Korean Government to assist the country in rolling out its Renewable Energy Expansion and Capacity Development project.

As part of the project, the funds will finance rooftop solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation and operation for two government-owned factories, capacity-building for climate change mitigation and renewable energy management.

In addition, the funds will be used for a feasibility study and tender document development for the renewable energy transition of climate-vulnerable rural communities, capacity building, and installation and rehabilitation of renewable energy generation facilities for Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) and Beqa communities.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, through a post-Cabinet statement, said Cabinet approved the Record of Discussion between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of the Republic of Korea, and the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, to formally inaugurate the project.

“The project will be completed in 2026, and project sites are located in Suva, Nausori, and rural areas as prioritised by the Government,”

Mr Rabuka said.

“The government is currently working with KOICA and a Korean project developer called Envelop Company Ltd (ECL) to develop the Fiji Agrophotovoltaic Program (APVP). This project is expected to benefit all 9606 residents of Ovalau living in over 27 communities.”

He said the solar energy generation was expected to reduce 4579 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, which would reduce Ovalau’s current 100 per cent dependence on diesel generators by about 57 per cent.

“The agriculture segment is expected to yield 101,417 kilograms of crops per year which is anticipated to stimulate commercial agriculture among lowincome farmers on Ovalau.

“The total cost of the project is approximately $US14.6m ($F32.8m), of which $US8m ($F17.9m) has been provided by KOICA as a grant.”

Mr Rabuka also said KOICA provided a grant fund of $US2.68m ($F6.03) for the 1.55MW Mua Solar Photovoltaic Project on Taveuni.

“It will also enhance the existing generation capacity, which comprises the Somosomo Hydroelectric Scheme (700kW) and the Waiyevo Power Station (2MW), improving the living standards of the 9000 residents on Taveuni and contributing to Fiji’s goal of 100 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2036.”