Government accelerates push for electric vehicles after fuel crisis

Government says Fiji must accelerate its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the country’s renewable energy sector.

Speaking during the launch of FMF’s latest electric vehicles yesterday, Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the recent fuel crisis had highlighted Fiji’s vulnerability to imported fuel and reinforced the need to in-vest in cleaner transport.

He said decarbonising the transport sector remained a key Government priority under the National Development Plan and would form part of the National Transport Plan currently being developed.

Mr Tuisawau said the plan would include policies, regulations and incentives to encourage motorists to switch from fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

He said the Government was also working with Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with funding already allocated to sup-port the rollout.

Mr Tuisawau acknowledged that renewable energy currently ac-counted for about 58 per cent of Fiji’s electricity generation but said greater investment in renew-able energy and sustainable trans-port was needed to achieve the country’s decarbonisation goals.

FMF Group’s chief executive officer Sanjay Punja said Fiji could not achieve its 2030 sustainability targets without strong partnerships between Government, the private sector and international partners.

He welcomed a visiting delegation from China’s Yunnan Province, thanking its provincial government for sharing its expertise and technology to support the growth of Fiji’s electric vehicle sector.

“We will continue to need the support of our partners from Yunnan Province, the Fiji Government and key authorities to expand EV infrastructure, strengthen policies, build local skills, encourage investment and make electric mobility more accessible for all Fijians,” he said.

Vice-chairperson of the Yunnan Overseas Chinese Federation Wan Yanjuan said the partnership reflected the growing relationship between China and Fiji and demonstrated both sides’ commitment to expanding cooperation in clean energy and sustainable transport.