The Lakaro Solar Hybrid Power Plant has been commissioned at Vunisea Government Station in Kadavu, reducing diesel consumption and delivering new renewable energy capacity to one of Fiji's maritime communities.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau officially commissioned the facility, with Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya and New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Greg Andrews also attending.
The project, supported through a partnership between Fiji, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, is already reducing Vunisea's diesel consumption from about 60 drums to 20 drums a month.
The reduction is expected to save approximately $336,000 a year while lowering the community's reliance on imported diesel fuel.
The hybrid plant can provide up to 30% renewable energy, strengthening the reliability and security of electricity supply in Kadavu while reducing the environmental impact of diesel-based generation.
For remote and maritime communities, the project demonstrates how renewable energy can contribute not only to climate goals but also to energy security, resilience and lower costs for delivering essential services.
The government said it remains committed to working towards 100% renewable energy generation for Vunisea and expanding sustainable energy solutions across Fiji's maritime communities.
The project reflects cooperation between Fiji, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates in developing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
