Page 18 - IB MAY 2017

Energy
A shared vision for green growth in Fiji

100pc renewable electricity and sustainable biofuels

ARGUABLY one of the most beautiful
places in the world, Fiji is an archipelago
of over 330 islands with a vibrant culture
that proudly celebrates its rich heritage,
community life, and national sport, rugby.
Yet, as a Small Island Developing State
(SIDS), Fiji faces a number of develop-
ment challenges including vulnerability to
external shocks, such as climate change, a
high dependence on imported fossil fuels,
declining land and marine biodiversity
due to unsustainable land management
and coral reef degradation, and costly
infrastructure and services in urban and
rural communities.
To tackle these challenges, the Gov-
ernment of Fiji (GoF) has recognised The Somosomo hydroelectric power plant located on the island of Taveuni Photo: Clay Energy
the pivotal role that green growth plays the information and pathway needed for islands and improve local employment
in building a sustainable, inclusive and effective and sustainable implementation. opportunities. It will also provide lower-
vibrant economy for all communities. In 100per cent renewable electricity target income households with electric light for
developing the 2014 Green Growth Frame- to lead Fiji’s green growth children to study under at night, and better
work (GGF), Fiji identified the need to With an ambitious objective to achieve Internet access.
better harness its natural resources, reduce 100 per cent renewable energy-based
vulnerability to environmental risks, and electricity generation by 2035, delivering Building strong economies based on
promote socially inclusive development. green growth for Fiji’s communities and clean energy
By adopting green growth, Fiji aims to lead businesses is key. By 2030, the population Both Taveuni and Ovalau are poised for
by example, especially in climate change: of Fiji could exceed 1 million, with 61per increasing electricity demand as economic
Fiji was the first country to ratify the UN cent of people living in major urban cen- growth expands and the islands continue
Paris Climate Agreement, and, now, is ters, exerting significant demands on vital their ongoing recovery from the devas-
the first Pacific Island country to hold the resources, including energy. tating effects of Cyclone Winston, which
Presidency of the UNFCCC Conference of To determine the best pathway to achieve struck in 2016.
Parties for the COP23 in Bonn, Germany Fiji’s electricity sector renewable energy Over the next few years, as the electric-
later this year. goals, GGGI is leading a study to establish ity grid is extended, Taveuni is expected to
The Global Green Growth Institute how Fiji’s third and sixth biggest islands grow in tourism and agricultural productiv-
(GGGI) is assisting Fiji in mainstreaming – Taveuni and Ovalau – can become self- ity. Yet, apart from the Somosomo hydro-
the GGF into their new National Develop- sufficient in electricity generation with a electric plant, the island’s energy comes
ment Plan (NDP), working in close part- secure and sustainable clean energy supply mainly from diesel generators. Burning
nership with the Department of Strategic from renewable sources like wind, solar, fossil fuels such as diesel contributes to
Planning in the Ministry of Economy. The and hydropower. By starting small and fo- global warming, and leaves Fiji exposed
collaboration between GGGI and the GoF cusing on these two islands, GGGI expects to volatile changes in the global price of
promotes green growth as the pathway the study will provide insights that can be oil. Although low at the moment, prices
to a strong economy in Fiji that benefits replicated and implemented on both the have fluctuated considerably in the last ten
local communities and protects the envi- larger and smaller islands by identifying years and show an increasing long-term
ronment. GGGI is focused, in particular, options for transitioning to 100% renew- trend. GGGI’s focus, therefore, is to explore
on supporting two components of Fiji’s able energy-based electricity generation. how renewables can create more secure,
GGF – plans to achieve 100% renewable Kamal Gounder, Principle Economic reliable, and locally sustainable energy for
electricity and turning coconut oil mills into Planning Officer in the Ministry of Econo- islanders.
sources of sustainable food and fuel pro- my, notes that this transition to a greener On Ovalau, a more secure electricity
duction. In cooperation with the govern- future “is all about people, the service they supply will benefit the PAFCO tuna can-
ment, GGGI is finding new ways to design will be getting, and the improvements they nery. The largest employer on the island,
and implement green energy projects, and will see.” Steady and secure electricity the cannery contributes significantly to the
reinvigorate existing projects, providing will benefit economic productivity on the island’s economy. At the same time, with a

18 Islands Business, May 2017