Suva, Fiji, 26th January 2024 - The Fiji Ministry of Infrastructure and Meteorological Services officially launched the National Energy Policy 2023 – 2030 earlier this year. The event, which coincided with the International Day for Clean Energy, marked a key moment for Fiji's energy sector.
Fiji's energy sector plays a fundamental role in achieving the nation's developmental goals. These goals include reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, increasing renewable electricity to 100%, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 in line with Fiji’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The ultimate objective is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) provided technical assistance support to the Department of Energy in the preparation of the National Energy Policy.
The Fiji Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honorable Vatimi Rayalu, representing the Government of Fiji at the launch said the document is crucial to shaping the nation’s future. “The NEP lays the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, reliable, and affordable energy sector by the decade's end. It paves the way for transformative investments urgently needed to enhance our energy landscape,” stated Mr Rayalu.
He added that “the NEP's objective is to diversify our energy sources, reduce dependence on imports, and promote energy independence. It focuses on five pillars: energy security and resilience, access and equity, sustainability, efficiency, and governance.”
The newly introduced NEP is poised to be a guiding force, steering Fiji's energy-related interventions until 2030. Its focus will be on fostering a climate-resilient, low-carbon energy sector.
Norbert Maass, GGGI Country Representative Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati thanked the Government of Fiji for the collaborative effort to develop the National Energy Policy. “The cornerstone of this policy is the dedication of all partners from the private and public sectors to delivering clean and affordable energy to Fijians. GGGI is looking forward to their continued partnership in its implementation.”
The NEP will allow Fiji to strengthen its energy sector to drive economic growth and social inclusion and help contribute to shaping Fiji's energy landscape and lead to a resilient future for the island nation. GGGI’s technical assistance to the Department of Energy was funded by the Government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
