Power sector developments and challenges
In 2002, the parliament in Fiji adopted the Strategic Development Plan for 2003 – 2005 of the Fiji Government which included aspects and goals for energy and electricity development in the country. This includes “developing infrastructure to remove barriers that hinder the adoption of renewable energy systems and allow the establishment of renewable energy service companies in Fiji” (6). As outlined in this Strategy, the Department of Energy is currently developing a National Energy Policy “to address renewable energy, efficiency and affordability, and environmental sustainability”(7) , and working on restructuring the Fiji Electricity Authority which is presently the primary power entity.

As the power mix in Fiji consists of hydro power and imported petroleum (diesel), the Government is focusing on reducing the import dependency by developing alternative energy technologies and encouraging energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency
As Fiji utilized a considerable amount of imported petroleum products, the Department of Energy has introduced an energy conservation programme aimed at reducing the demand on the country’s energy resources. Activities under this programme include awareness raising, adopting energy efficiency in public buildings, adopting regulations and appliance standards, and incentives to encourage energy efficiency.

Renewable energy
Under the Strategic Plan, the Government of Fiji is planning to become 100 per cent reliant on renewable energy for electricity by 2011. The Fiji Electricity Authority plans to increase the power capacity to avoid power shortages and reduce reliance on diesel generators. They have estimated that $500 million will be needed, which is likely to come partially from the Government and partially from independent power producers. One proposed project is the development of a 10 MW wind farm (8).

Rural electrification
The Government has been supporting rural electrification efforts by funding electrification schemes, projects and training. In 2006, the Government allocated $6 million for this purpose. Presently, around 70 (9) to 80 per cent of households are electrified. According to the Fiji Electricity Authority, $5.3 million was spent on electrification in 2005, with $1.9 million spent on rural electrification projects and the remainder on urban development projects (10).

Stakeholders
Fiji Department of Energy
Fiji Electricity Authority

(6) Fiji Electricity Authority http://www.fea.com.fj/pages.cfm/major-projects/renewable-projects, accessed in October 2007.
(7) Ibid.
(8) Ibid.
(9) Presentation by Mr. Peceli Nakavulevu, Fiji Department of Energy, at EGM on Sustainable Development Indicators for the Power Sector, 18 July 2007.
(10) Fiji Electricity Authority http://www.fea.com.fj/pages.cfm/major-projects/rural-electrification.html, accessed in October 2007.