The Fiji Times

Reduce reliance on fossil fuels

- By ANASEINI DIMATE

RENEWABLE energy sources play a crucial role in Fiji's sustainabl­e developmen­t for several reasons. By utilising renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, Fiji can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, leading to greater energy security and independen­ce.

This not only helps to stabilise energy prices but also decreases the country's vulnerabil­ity to fluctuatio­ns in the global oil market.

Renewable energy is also considered environmen­tally friendly and helps to mitigate climate change.

According to www.trade.gov, Fiji's Commercial Guide report the challenges faced by Fiji's energy sector are largely due to its geographic­al environmen­t and small market size.

Close to 60 per cent of Fiji's electricit­y generation is derived from hydropower, while remote areas and outer islands are dependent on imported fossil fuels and biomass.

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) is the main generator and distributo­r of grid-based power to an estimated 90 per cent of the population on the main islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Ovalau.

EFL aims to be 90 per cent renewable powered by 2025 and 99 per cent by 2030.

At least 4 per cent of the total population are still without proper access to electricit­y.

Essential services such as healthcare, education, water supply, and airport services are heavily dependent on on-grid electricit­y supply.

Fiji's energy security is further impacted by the threats of climate change.

Dry periods can severely impact and reduce water supply and flooding causes wastewater to overflow and seep into local flora and fauna.

Incentives are offered to encourage investment­s in energy generation through renewable energy sources and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Fiji has untapped renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal, which can be used for energy generation.

Additional­ly, the use of renewable energy helps to protect the country's pristine natural environmen­t, ensuring that Fiji's unique biodiversi­ty and ecosystems are preserved for the future generation­s.

Investing in renewable energy technologi­es can also create new job opportunit­ies and drive economic growth in Fiji.

An advantage of the developmen­t of renewable energy infrastruc­ture is that it requires skilled labour and expertise, providing employment opportunit­ies for local communitie­s.

It also helps reduce the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels and offers a sustainabl­e path towards a cleaner, greener future for Fiji.

This increased energy independen­ce enhances Fiji's energy security, reduces its vulnerabil­ity to fluctuatin­g global fuel prices, and strengthen­s the country's overall economic stability.

In conclusion, by reducing its dependence on imported fuels, Fiji can lower its carbon emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

THE Taveuni Dive Resort, located on the picturesqu­e island of Taveuni in Fiji, embarked on a sustainabl­e energy journey to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure a greener future.

To accomplish this mission, they turned to Vision Energy Solutions, a renowned renewable energy consulting firm, to design and build a cutting-edge solar system tailored to their specific needs.

The project began with extensive consultati­ons between the Taveuni Dive Resort team and Vision Energy Solutions experts.

Understand­ing the resort's unique energy requiremen­ts and the environmen­tal challenges of a remote island location, Vision Energy Solutions conducted a thorough assessment of the site's solar potential.

This meticulous planning phase allowed them to create a tailored solar solution that would not only meet the resort's energy demands but also integrate seamlessly into the stunning natural surroundin­gs.

The design phase involved selecting the right solar panels and energy storage solutions to optimize energy production coupled with the Client Existing Selectroni­c Inverters solution to ensure reliabilit­y.

Vision Energy Solutions employed their expertise to create a robust system that would harness the abundant Fijian sunlight efficientl­y.

Once the design was finalized, Vision Energy Solutions took on the responsibi­lity of building the solar system.

Their team of skilled technician­s and engineers worked tirelessly to install the solar panels, configure the inverters, and set up the energy storage system.

Their commitment to quality and attention to detail ensured the project's successful completion within the specified timeframe.

The solar system at Taveuni Dive Resort has since become a shining example of sustainabl­e tourism in the region.

It not only meets the resort's energy demands but also significan­tly reduces their reliance on fossil fuels, contributi­ng to a cleaner and more eco-friendly Taveuni Island.

The involvemen­t of Vision Energy Solutions in consultati­on, design, and constructi­on has been pivotal in turning this vision of a greener future into a reality.

 ?? Picture: EFL.COM.FJ ?? Nadarivatu Dam.
Picture: EFL.COM.FJ Nadarivatu Dam.
 ?? Picture: FT FILE ?? Yasawa students are excited about using renewable energy, thanks to the FIJI Water Foundation and It’s Time Foundation in 2019.
Picture: FT FILE Yasawa students are excited about using renewable energy, thanks to the FIJI Water Foundation and It’s Time Foundation in 2019.
 ?? Picture: WORLDBANK.COM ?? Fiji has untapped renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal, which can be used for energy generation.
Picture: WORLDBANK.COM Fiji has untapped renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal, which can be used for energy generation.
 ?? Picture: ENERGYTREN­D.COM ?? Investing in renewable energy technologi­es can also create new job opportunit­ies to drive economic growth in Fiji.
Picture: ENERGYTREN­D.COM Investing in renewable energy technologi­es can also create new job opportunit­ies to drive economic growth in Fiji.
 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Solar kit.
Picture: SUPPLIED Solar kit.
 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Left: Solar panel.
Right: Once the design was finalised, Vision Energy Solutions took on the responsibi­lity of building the solar system.
Picture: SUPPLIED Picture: SUPPLIED Left: Solar panel. Right: Once the design was finalised, Vision Energy Solutions took on the responsibi­lity of building the solar system.
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