Fiji’s push to transform its energy sector could face delays unless gaps in its legal and regulatory framework are addressed, according to a new assessment by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report, “Fiji: Assessment of legislative and regulatory frameworks for a just and inclusive energy transition,” highlights the country’s goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2036 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
While Fiji has made progress in expanding renewable energy, the report notes the country still depends heavily on imported fossil fuels, underscoring the need to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy projects and attract greater private sector investment.
“Fiji has demonstrated strong ambition in transitioning its energy sector toward renewables and low-carbon solutions,” the report states.
However, it cautions that continued reliance on imported fuels signals the need for faster deployment of renewable energy and improvements to the investment environment.
The assessment was prepared in collaboration with Fiji’s Department of Energy under the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative. It reviewed the legal and regulatory framework governing grid-connected electricity generation, transmission and supply.
The study found that gaps in existing laws and institutional arrangements could slow the pace of renewable energy development and discourage independent power producers from investing.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the report identifies legal and regulatory barriers that are limiting the scale and speed of renewable energy deployment in Fiji.
To address these challenges, the report recommends reforms over the short, medium and long term. These include streamlining approval processes for renewable energy projects, strengthening regulatory oversight and updating the Electricity Act to align with Fiji’s climate and energy policies.
Fiji currently has around 226 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, with hydropower accounting for 61 percent, bioenergy 29 percent, and solar and wind five percent each.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the review marks an important step in Fiji’s energy transition.
“This Legislative and Regulatory Gap Analysis identifies existing barriers and offers practical recommendations to unlock greater private sector investment and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions,” he said.
The report concludes that strengthening Fiji’s legal and regulatory framework could help accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels while boosting investor confidence and public-private partnerships in the renewable energy sector.
