Page 25 - IB January 2024

Renewable Energy

SCALING UP RENEWABLE ENERGY

IN THE PACIFIC

A solar grid with battery energy storage system at Naifu, Vava’u in Tonga. Photo: Tonga Renewable Energy Project

By Kite Pareti says is “an enormous economic burden.”
“As [recent data by the United Nations Economic and Social
A rural electrification project launched in Fiji last month Commission for Asia and the Pacific] has further assessed that
will provide electricity to almost 200 households, from the share of electricity generation against the annual cost of
renewable energy sources, with project lead, the Asian fuel imports to the region is approximately 37 %, the region
Development Bank highlighting (ADB) the increasing number could potentially save fuel imports or traditional energy
of countries around the region moving towards renewable sources for as much as US$2.2 billion, should it manage to
energy sources. achieve a successful transition to 100% renewables in the
“Many of them are targeting 100% renewables for their future,” said Shiihara.
[electricity] generation mix, alongside increased access to ADB launched the Fiji Rural Electrification Support Project
electricity,” said ADB Project Officer, Takeshi Shiihara. in partnership with the Fijian government and the Japan Fund
“While Pacific Island countries face a similar set of energy for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, with FJ$6.8
challenges, each country has a unique operating context, and million (US$3.4 million) in grant financing.
requires varying levels of support to achieve their targets,” Ninety six percent of Fiji’s population has access to
said Shiihara. electricity. “And 50% of the country’s energy supply is mostly
“Some countries have highly dispersed populations and powered by hydro energy,” said Deepak Shanil Chand, Fiji’s
continue to face critical challenges in providing electricity Assistant Director of Energy.
to outer islanders or rural populations. Other countries The project will expand and upgrade a mini-hydropower
have more concentrated populations but experience high facility in Buca, a village on the second largest island of Vanua
generation costs linked to diesel dependence and associated Levu, and install a solar photovoltaic-based mini-grid together
import costs. with a battery energy storage system in Tiliva, Kadavu, an
“Yet, use of renewables can be a key tool to address energy island that’s a six-hour boat ride south of the capital Suva.
issues from both groups, which is also supported by ADB’s Aaron Batten is Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Sub-
involvement in the Pacific energy sector for many years,” he Regional Office, which oversees ADB-supported energy
added. projects in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga
Transitioning to renewables will also reduce the huge costs and Tuvalu.
of fuel imports for the Pacific–an estimated US$6 billion “The project will also explore the potential for more
annually, or around 5-15% of a nation’s GDP, which Shiihara technical solutions such as energy forecasting systems and

Islands Business, January 2024 25