THE proposed $150 million Namosi hydroelectric power project is expected to deliver a combined installed capacity of 32MW and generate approximately 120GWh of clean electricity annually – all of which will be purchased by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).
EFL and hydropower projects development company HydroFiji – through its Fiji-based Hydro VL company – signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at the GPH in Suva yesterday for the development and supply of renewable electricity from a new group of run-off-river hydropower projects.
While EFL currently derives approximately 50 per cent of its electricity generation from hydropower, Namosi Hydro is projected to boost this capacity by an additional 10 per cent once operational.
EFL board director Gardiner Whiteside said this single project would supply a meaningful portion of Viti Levu’s electricity demand; and is expected to contribute approximately eight to 10 per cent of the island’s energy needs.
“With the addition of Namosi Hydro, we will take another major step toward reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuel – fuel that is subject to global price volatility and external shocks beyond our control,” Mr Whiteside said.
“Every additional percentage of renewable energy strengthens our energy independence. Every megawatt of clean energy reduces our exposure to global uncertainties.”
Mr Whiteside said under the PPA, Hydro VL will finance, develop, own and operate the hydropower facilities, while EFL will purchase the electricity generated.
“This model enables us to accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring that risks and responsibilities are appropriately shared,” he said.
hydroFiji Pty Ltd executive chairman Dr Philip van der Riet said when complete, Namosi Hydro would supply about 10 per cent of Fiji’s electricity, reducing the use of fossil fuel (diesel and/or HFO) by at least 30 million litres annually and helping to protect Fiji against future oil shocks.
He said the next step for the company now was to re-establish the environment impact assessment (EIA), and engage with the landowners to get the lease back in their name.
“We’ll have to do that work over the next probably three to six months, and at the same time secure all the other permits and approvals,” Mr van der Riet told this newspaper.
Construction is slated to commence within the next six to 12 months, contingent upon the completion of all necessary regulatory approvals.
Namosi Hydro is also aiming to begin commercial operations by mid-2029.
