EFL Needs to Get Ahead of Increasing Demand

Three more independent power producers (IPPs) are expected to sign up as suppliers to the national grid, when the tender process closes this month.

The move aligns with Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) goals to meet market demand through sustainable measures.

EFL has four IPPs, namely: 

• Tropik Wood Industries which is yet to return as the country’s leading IPP pending an upgrade of its power plant in Lautoka,
• Nabou Green Energy Pte Ltd, Nadroga, where services were restored after ownership challenges,
• Fiji Sugar Corporation, a seasonal supplier contingent on annual harvest of national crop sugarcane, and, a solar farm.

Infrastructure

Fiji sits well in continuity and security of power supply, Energy Fiji Limited board chairman Rokoseru Nabalarua said.

“The test of whether we look after infrastructure is on intermittent power supply,” he said.

“The more important part is to address growth, which year-on-year has been four to five per cent.

“Last year was almost nine per cent, an indicator of economic growth, which is abnormal; we need to get ahead of it. We need to work very quickly; build new infrastructure and outsource it.”

An old problem

Newly appointed chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson said EFL also needed to maintain its aging infrastructure.

He likened the need to a double edge sword and said existing infrastructure needed either refurbishment, or replacement.

“We’re not only focusing on going forward, but maintaining the existing,” Mr Gibson said.

One example was the Samabula substation which needed an upgrade from its obsolete condition, he said.

Starlink equivalent

Meanwhile Mr Nabalarua wished for Starlink’s equivalent for power.

Ninety per cent of Fiji’s population has access to electricity because of licenced limitations to areas it can cover.

Fiji also offers the cheapest tariff rates in the region.

Butoni Wind farm repairs at 90%

The Butoni wind farms in Fiji’s Salad Bowl will be back in business this year, with repairs reportedly 90 per cent ready.

Mr Nabalarua said the delay in getting the farm up and running was linked to insurance claims.

The farms were out of order since 2020.

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