How Pacific nations plan to go from spending up to 25% of GDP on fossil fuels to running on 100% renewables
Picture dusk falling somewhere in the Solomon Islands. A fisher’s skiff glides home using a whisper-quiet electric outboard motor. In the Cook Islands, a big battery steadies the island grid. In Papua New Guinea’s highlands, solar kits bring electric light to homes for the first time.
Australia helps remote Fiji schools switch to off-grid solar power
Thirty remote schools in the Fiji islands are receiving off-grid solar installations with support from the Australian government REnew Pacific program to boost digital learning tools access and reduce reliance on diesel generators.
Fiji seeking consultants for 10 MW of solar
A company in Fiji has launched a tender for a consulting firm to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed 10 MW ground-mounted solar plant. The deadline for applications is May 30.
EPC Solar eyes Fiji as entry point into Pacific region
Canberra-based renewable energy company EPC Solar has made its first foray overseas, launching into Fiji where it says it has a pipeline of more than 40 potential solar and energy storage projects.
Fiji resorts to rooftop solar installations in race to reach renewable generation goals
Fijian energy company Vision Energy Solutions has completed a 133 kW rooftop solar installation on one of the tropical island country’s premium holiday destinations, as the nation strives for it’s 90% renewable generation by 2025 goal.
Fiji launches tender for ground-mounted solar
Government-backed Energy Fiji Limited has started accepting bids for the development, operation and maintenance of three ground-mounted solar plants in Fiji with a combined capacity of 21.93 MW.
Fiji plans ‘Pacific’s largest solar project’
The island nation has agreed a deal with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation to develop at least 15 MW of generation capacity in a US$15 million project.
How to make rooftop PV resilient in hurricane regions
A report published by the Rocky Mountain Institute makes recommendations for rooftop PV in regions affected by high winds. The study draws on the knowledge of structural engineers asked to analyze 25 solar systems across five Caribbean islands after they were hit by major hurricanes in 2017 and last year.
UNSW students provide solar solutions to remote Fijian communities
University of New South Wales students have travelled to remote communities in Fiji in order to troubleshoot the challenges of renewable energy integration and come up with technical and design-based solutions to community needs.
New Zealand leading five-nation climate trade agreement in world’s first
New Zealand begins negotiations with four other small nations on trade agreement to remove tariffs on environmental goods, such as solar PV, and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. The deal would be a world’s first, and another example of the confidence boost New Zealand enjoys during the Rugby World Cup.
