A feasibility study is underway to assess how solar power could strengthen energy resilience and support critical healthcare services at Savusavu Hospital during severe weather events and power disruptions.
The Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, said reliable electricity was vital for hospitals, especially during emergencies when demand for medical care increases while infrastructure and essential services face pressure.
“Reliable power is not just about keeping the lights on,” the statement said.
“In a hospital, reliable electricity can determine whether care continues safely and without interruption.”
The project noted that electricity was essential for operating life-saving medical equipment including oxygen machines, nebulizers, defibrillators, patient monitoring systems, vaccine refrigerators and testing equipment.
Power systems also support communication networks used to coordinate emergency response and patient care.
The feasibility study is examining whether solar photovoltaic systems could help reduce electricity costs, increase clean energy use and improve service resilience in Labasa and Savusavu.
Savusavu Hospital has been identified as one of the sites under assessment.
The statement said the hospital already relied on dedicated backup power arrangements during outages, but the study would assess whether solar systems could complement existing infrastructure and improve long-term reliability.
“The feasibility study is looking at whether solar PV can complement existing systems and provide additional resilience,” the statement said.
Assessments are also being carried out on building structures, electrical systems, future energy demand, safety requirements and long-term maintenance arrangements.
The project said rooftop solar was being considered because available land at the hospital site was limited and may be needed for future healthcare expansion.
The study is currently reviewing roof areas considered suitable for assessment, including the central building with a newer roof and the main building above the Emergency Department, where roof upgrades are already underway.
The Na Vualiku Project said strengthening reliable energy systems was becoming increasingly important as Fiji faces more severe weather events and growing pressure on critical public services.
