NADI, Fiji – Fiji Airports has appointed CBS Power Solutions Fiji Ltd to deliver the first stage
of its planned solar farm at Nadi International Airport.
The contract was awarded after a competitive tender process and covers the installation of a 3.25-megawatt solar system at the airport’s solar farm site in Namaka. The project is expected to be the largest ground-mounted solar development in Fiji.
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari said the project would help reduce the airport’s reliance on traditional power sources while improving the reliability of electricity supply at Nadi International Airport.
“As our operations continue to grow, we need infrastructure that can keep up with demand,” Mr Nawari said.
“This project is about making our power supply more reliable, while also being environmentally friendly, helping reduce our carbon emissions.
“It is an important investment for Fiji Airports and for the future of our operations at Nadi International Airport.”
Once operational, it is estimated that the system will offset a significant portion of its energy consumption during peak generation periods, with approximately 25 percent of excess energy being fed back into the national grid.
As part of the project scope, the contractor will further develop the existing 30 percent concept design prepared by ITP Australia, our solar consultant for the Phase 1 of the project, into a 90 percent detailed design, along with the necessary engineering studies to support the installation.
Given the location of the solar farm within the Fiji Airports Compound, aviation safety will be a key consideration throughout the design phase. This will include a comprehensive glare study to ensure the installation does not affect aircraft operations.
CBS Power Solutions director Amit Singh said undertaking this project is quite a proud moment for his team, and with the commissioning next year, this will become the largest project.
He said that, considering the significance of this project in terms of capacity, they look forward to delivering this important project for Fiji Airports, which will also be the biggest for ports in the Pacific region.
As part of capacity building, Fiji Airports technical staff will undergo training during this first stage of this vital solar farm investment by working alongside CBS Power Solutions experts.
Looking ahead, Phase Two of the project is currently undergoing feasibility assessment, with plans to expand the system to between 8 and 10 megawatts, potentially supported by a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The solar farm is part of Fiji Airports’ long-term sustainability plans as it works towards its
net-zero emissions target by 2050.