Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) has been in discussions with prospective Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to enter Fiji’s renewable energy sector.

FEA chief executive, Hasmukh Patel, has identified that opportunities exist in solar, biomass and hydro projects.

He said there is a need for 2MW – 3MW plants in selected locations and therefore bids have been called and are being evaluated for solar projects.

“We had called for tenders and have shortlisted and we are almost on the verge of embarking upon our first solar project,” Mr Patel said.

As for Biomass Projects, FEA is looking at Naboro Waste energy. Expressions of interest was called by FEA and they are in the process of reviewing the proposals.

“We are analysing these and hopefully by the end of the year we will be making a decision on this particular,” he said.

“The idea is to develop Naboro waste energy and change it into plant by next year.

FEA also has a couple of hydro projects at Qaliwana/Upper Wailoa Diversion Hydro Project, while lower Ba Hydro Project is in feasibility stage.

“We also have the lower bar hydro project and the European Investment bank has very kindly agreed to carry out a full study of this particular project,” Mr Patel added.

Mr Patel said they are well on their way to go 95 per cent renewable energy.

“Therefore we expect IPPs to use whatever technology they want to use whether it be biomass or there is potential for many hydro’s or even solar energy.

EDITED BY: RACHNA LAL

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