According to IRENA, Fiji has installed around 11 MW of solar PV capacity as of 2023. ⁸

Information about the exact value for the total projected solar PV capacity in Fiji is not publicly available. However, the government targets a fully renewables-powered energy supply system in 2030, including the plan to develop the largest Fiji solar projects of its kind in the Pacific. Also, on the 31st August 2024, the country launched a new tender through the partly state-owned energy company Energy Fiji Limited, inviting companies to bid to develop four ground-mounted solar PV power plants with a combined capacity of 31.93MW. ⁹¹⁰

Hydropower: The cost of generating electricity from hydropower in Fiji can vary, but on average, it is estimated to be around USD 0.04 to USD 0.10 per kWh. ¹⁹

Fossil fuel: The cost of generating electricity from fossil fuels in Fiji is generally higher compared to renewable sources. On average, it ranges from USD 0.15 to USD 0.25 per kWh. ²⁰

Solar: The cost of generating electricity from solar energy in Fiji is generally lower than from fossil fuels. On average, it ranges from USD 0.08 to USD 0.12 per kWh. ²¹

¹⁶

• Hydroelectricity: 54.6%
• Fossil Fuels: 40.2%
• Solar Energy: 1.3%
• Biomass and Waste: 3.6%
• Wind power: 0.3%

On average, most urban areas have electricity available for about 24 hours a day especially during the rainy season when elevated water levels in reservoirs enable optimal hydropower generation, which serves as the primary source of electricity in the country.

According to 2018 estimates, over 10,000 solar home systems (SHS) have been deployed nationwide in Fiji, with a consistent upward trend in installations. ¹¹

There is sparse publicly available data on the exact number of both installed and projected solar farms in Fiji.

Many of Fiji’s small islands and remote areas are not connected to the main electricity grid. The off-grid households are supplied electricity by government through the Fiji Department of Energy (FDoE). These off-grid systems comprise solar home systems, diesel generators, pico-hydro and solar hybrid systems. ²³

There are also plans for 75 isolated Fijian communities to gain access to affordable, reliable energy through $60M USD hybrid solar PV mini-grid project, enhancing quality of life and economic opportunities. ²²

Fiji has around 4 MW of grid-connected solar PV installed, primarily on the main island of Viti Levu. ²⁴

There are ambitious plans to expand solar PV capacity. By 2030, Fiji aims to add 90 MW of new solar PV on Viti Levu’s grid, 5 MW on Vanua Levu’s grid, and 4 MW on Ovalau’s grid. This expansion is expected to generate approximately 167 GWh annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions. ²⁴

The average salary earned by workers in the solar industry in Fiji can vary based on experience, skills, and location.

Solar Engineer: A person working as Solar Engineer in Fiji typically earns around $1,917 USD. Salaries range from $882 USD (lowest) to $3,046 USD (highest). ²⁵

Project manager: A person working as Project Manager in Fiji typically earns around $2,416 USD. Salaries range from $1,112 USD (lowest) to $3,839 USD (highest). ²⁶

General labor: The average salary for general labor workers in Fiji typically ranges from $377 USD to $782 USD per month. ²⁹

As of August 2024, the population of Fiji is currently 929,447 ⁶

Factory rent/mortgage

Factory rents in Fiji are generally lower compared to many other countries. For example, commercial spaces can range from $4,500 to $16,200 per month, depending on the location and size. ³⁰

Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)

Electricity:The cost of electricity in Fiji is approximately $0.15 USD per kWh. ²⁷

Water: Fijians pay one of the lowest water tariffs in the Pacific at $0.07 USD per cubic meter. ¹⁸

Equipment maintenance

The cost of maintaining solar equipment in Fiji can vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. On average, maintenance costs can range from $90 to $225 per year for residential systems. For larger commercial systems, the costs can be higher, typically ranging from $450 to $1,350 per year. ²⁸

Key data points about the Fiji energy infrastructure are as follows:

Electricity generation ^{5 16}

The energy production in Fiji is approximately 1.04 billion kilowatt per year. Fiji’s energy production continues to be heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels and hydropower, primarily for transportation and thermal power generation. Notwithstanding, the country has committed to a strategic transition towards more renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Electricity consumption ¹⁶

Fiji’s annual electricity consumption totals 936.31 million kWh, and averagely 1,000 kWh per capita. The country has the potential for energy self-sufficiency, with domestic power generation exceeding consumption by 11%.

Grid Infrastructure ¹⁷

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) primarily manages Fiji’s power grid, serving approximately 90% of the population on the main islands. While the main grid serves the larger islands, smaller islands often rely on diesel generators, micro-hydro systems, or biofuel generators for their electricity supply.

Energy Access ⁵

According to a statistics publish in 2021, only about 92% of the total population in Fiji have access to electricity. It estimates 96% of people living in urban areas and 87% of the people residing in rural areas of the country.

• Approval Process: To install a solar system in Fiji, you need to hire a licensed electrician or solar installer. The process involves filling out an application form, providing supporting documents, paying an application fee, and waiting for approval from Energy Fiji Limited (EFL). ³¹
• Climate Change Act: This act includes provisions for promoting renewable energy projects, including solar, as part of Fiji’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ³⁴
• National Energy Policy 2023-2034: This policy aims to increase Fiji’s energy security by utilizing indigenous renewable energy sources, including solar. It sets ambitious targets to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and address climate and disaster risks. ³⁵

Fiji is actively promoting solar energy as a key part of its renewable energy goals. Some of the plans include;¹⁵

• Incentives for Solar Energy: The government offers financial incentives to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt solar power, making it a more attractive alternative to other energy sources.
• Renewable Energy Targets: Fiji has established ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to meet the majority of its power needs through renewable sources by 2030. To achieve this, the government has implemented policies that prioritize renewable energy generation.
• Educational Programs: Fiji is investing in education to promote solar energy awareness and equip its citizens with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about adopting this sustainable technology.

Installed Projects

Vuda Solar Farm

Location: Vuda, Lautoka, Fiji

Capacity: 67 kilowatts

Details: Owned by Total (Fiji) Limited. In a year, the solar farm supplies 100megawatts of electricity hourly. ³³

Projected Projects

Mua Solar Farm project ^{9 12}

Location: Taveuni island, Fiji.

Capacity: 1.55MW

Details: The project started in 2019 but was delayed due to the pandemic and it is expected to be completed soon. It was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Energy Fiji Solar PV Park ¹³

Capacity: 15MW

Details: It was funded by IFC (International Finance Corporation). It is intended to be the largest solar project in the Pacific. The project is currently at the permitting stage and construction is expected to begin by 2024.

Nadi International Airport solar farm project ¹⁴

Location: Adjacent Fiji Airports, Nadi

Capacity: 3.5MW

Details: Fiji Airports partnered with ITP Renewables Australia. The project is in its initial phase of construction.

Clay Energy Pty Ltd: They offer a comprehensive range of renewable energy services, including design, engineering, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance, project management, and consulting. ⁷

Solar Fiji: They specialize in off-grid and grid-connect solar power systems supply, installations and engineering. Solar Fiji is an official distributor of leading solar brands. ³¹

Yasana Energy Limited: They specialize in operating and managing solar projects such as Hybrid Energy, Distributed Generation, Energy Storage, Off-Grid Energy, Remote Communities, HV, Substations, Grid Connections, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Microgrid. ³²