THE Government has secured more than $118million in international funding to expand renewable electricity to rural and maritime communities across Fiji.
The money will flow through the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF), a new special-purpose vehicle established to attract private investment and accelerate rural electrification.
Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament the fund would support the installation of solar PV–diesel hybrid systems in around 300 communities nationwide.
“The Government has established the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund as a vehicle to bring in private investment and ensure that we fast-track electrification for those without reliable access,” he said.
He confirmed support has been committed by the governments of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with discussions in progress with other partners.
“FREF has managed to raise funds of approximately $118million through international partners, and we are in talks with others to add to this pipeline.
The program is being developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and other agencies.
Work is focused on creating a strong implementation framework to ensure efficiency, accountability and long-term sustainability of the projects.
Ro Filipe said the scheme was vital to meet Fiji’s target of 100 percent electricity access by 2029 while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Rural communities will not only benefit from clean and reliable power but also improved access to health, education and economic opportunities.”
Ro Filipe said the fund’s design would encourage private sector participation, helping to build local capacity and create jobs in renewable energy.
“This is a model that shares responsibility and opens the door to sustainable rural development,” he said.
