FIJI will be the beneficiary of an agreement signed between India and the International Solar Alliance that will see to the execution of solar projects in the country and three African countries – Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles.
The agreement represents a significant step towards advancing clean energy solutions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The $US2million ($4.6m) initiative is funded by India as part of its commitments under the Quad Climate Working Group.
The projects include installation of solar pumps, solar refrigerators, and solar rooftop panels, with a targeted completion timeline of mid-2025, reflecting the urgency to address climate challenges in the region.
Two solar projects have been proposed in Fiji under the agreement and aims to improve overall community resilience and quality of life.
“The Solar Rooftop Panels (healthcare) project, valued at $US261,900 ($607,000), will provide reliable and sustainable energy to healthcare facilities, significantly improving service delivery and operational efficiency while reducing dependence on traditional power sources,” the High Commission of India in Suva stated.
“And, the Solar Cold Storage initiative, with an investment of $US277,500 ($643,000), will establish robust cold chain infrastructure, essential for preserving perishable goods and life-saving medicines, thereby enhancing food security and healthcare outcomes.
“These projects will bolster Fiji’s renewable energy capacity, supporting the country’s transition to sustainable energy systems while addressing its unique challenges as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS),” it stated.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global inter-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing solar power adoption for a carbon-neutral future.
With 120 member countries including Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu, ISA plays a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of solar energy worldwide.
Its initiatives focus on implementing and scaling solar technology projects, building a robust pipeline of solar ventures across member nations, and delivering capacity-building programs tailored to the unique needs of least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
The Indian Government said fostering strategic partnerships and championing innovative solar solutions empowered member countries like Fiji to harness clean energy technologies, driving sustainable development and resilience in the face of global energy and climate challenges.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print version of the Fiji Times dated December 17, 2024.
