A regional initiative to equip Pacific communities with practical renewable energy skills is continuing to expand after completing its third solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in Fiji.
The Fiji Solar Scholars program has trained 14 participants from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu to plan, install and manage basic solar PV systems, with graduates now applying their skills in community projects.
The latest installation at the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) headquarters in Suva follows earlier projects at Yavulo Kindergarten in Sigatoka and the FCOSS Western Office in Lautoka.
The program was delivered in May this year by 350.org Pacific in partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities to make renewable energy expertise more accessible to grassroots communities.
350.org Pacific and Caribbean program lead Fenton Lutunatabua said the initiative was designed to help communities respond to growing economic and climate challenges.
“Distributed solar energy has the potential to address the high cost of living, energy poverty, and disaster response needs,” he said.
Mr Lutunatabua said while Pacific leaders continued to advocate internationally for climate finance and a transition away from fossil fuels, communities could also take practical steps through locally managed renewable energy projects.
