A study into Fiji’s hydropower potential has identified nine medium to large project sites that have the ability to generate electricity.
And, the study – titled ‘Effective and Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Resources in Power Supply in the Republic of Fiji’ – has prioritised three specific sites in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
The three sites are Wailevu in Cakaudrove, Ba River – downstream of Nadarivatu power station and Waivaka Village in Namosi.
The Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) – which undertook the study, has also completed preliminary designs for the project sites.
Receiving the report from JICA, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Vijay Nath says the identification of the potential renewable energy resources is critical in achieving government’s target of achieving 80 percent share of renewable energy in the electricity generation mix by 2020.
At the moment with the current electricity supply mix we have around 60% from renewable energy and 40% from diesel generators.
“The report, “Effective and Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Resources in Power Supply in Republic of Fiji”, has proven critics wrong that Fiji had exhausted its remaining potential renewable energy resources.”
The study has also identified potential of biomass resources in the northern and western parts of Fiji.
The Tokyo Electric Power Services Company Ltd (TEPSCO) worked with JICA in conducting the study which began in September 2013 and finished in February this year.
