Thousands of residents in the northern part of Fiji’s Garden Island, Taveuni, today celebrated the commissioning of the Mua Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Station and Welagi-Naselesele Grid Extension and house-wiring projects.
The multi-million-dollar renewable energy infrastructure projects are not just about lighting up lives and empowering communities, but also creating a brighter, and more sustainable future for Fiji.
In his address, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that the projects are aligned to our global commitments for a 30% reduction in carbondioxide emissions (CO2) by 2030 as outlined in our National Determined Contribution (NDC) 2017-2030.
“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring equitable and sustainable development in Fiji and that is the very reason we are all here today in the Garden Island of Fiji, Taveuni,” the PM stated.
The Korean Government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), funded the Mua Solar PV Project, with additional technical support, as part of an ongoing partnership and collaboration with the Korean Government in the different sectors of Fiji’s economy.
The project has a total installed capacity of 1.065Mega Watt (MW) of Solar PV panels with a 0.5MW/1MWhr battery energy storage system at a total project design and construction cost of FJ$6.75 million.
Of this, the PM explained that a total of FJ$5.8 million was funded by KOICA for the construction of the plant, with the Coalition Government contributing an additional FJ$0.95 million towards the design and construction of the project.
“The Mua Solar PV Power Station Project will supplement the Somosomo Hydro Project and will elevate Taveuni to be the first island in Fiji that will have access to 100% renewable and clean energy supply.”
Further, the Weilagi-Naselesele Grid extension and house wiring project is another transformative project in Taveuni, with a total investment of FJ$4.29 million.
This extension project now connects 130 residential houses, a school and a number of small businesses, benefiting approximately 650 residents.
“The Coalition Government plans to extend the grid from Wairiki to Taveuni South, right up to Navakawau and also to Lavena and Bouma,” he added.
PM Rabuka acknowledged Korea’s continued support towards Fiji’s development endeavors.
Also at the event, Korea’s Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Mr Kim Jin Hyung expressed similar sentiments, saying the project will serve as a crucial turning point in further “brightening the relations between Korea and Fiji”.
At the same time, Ambassador Kim reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Fiji in its development plans.
The Fiji Government also acknowledges the support from Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for conducting the feasibility study for the Mua Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Station.
