Three public facilities in Labasa and Savusavu are expected to make close to $50,000 in combined electricity savings in the first year through planned rooftop solar installations.
The Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital have been identified for Phase One solar installations under the World Bank-financed Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu — the Na Vualiku Project.
In a statement, Fiji Tourism Development Program said a completed feasibility study assessed 25 potential rooftop and ground-based locations across nine public precincts before narrowing the first phase to the three facilities.
Together, the proposed systems are estimated to save about $50,000 in electricity costs after operating expenses during their first year.
At the Labasa Handicraft Market, rooftop solar is expected to reduce operating costs for the wider market. Parts of the existing structure will be strengthened before panels are installed.
The Savusavu Market proposal includes both solar panels and battery storage, allowing selected Town Council services to continue operating during power outages.
This could also strengthen the council’s capacity to function as a command centre during disaster response.
The largest installation is planned for Savusavu Hospital, where solar and battery storage are expected to reduce electricity costs and provide greater energy resilience for essential health services.
Reliable electricity is particularly important for medical equipment, refrigeration, communications, patient care and emergency services during outages and severe weather.
The feasibility assessment considered structural safety, cyclone resilience, electricity consumption, sunlight, available space and potential disruption to facility users.
Other locations were excluded because of factors including extensive structural strengthening requirements, low electricity consumption, shading or planned redevelopment.
With the feasibility study completed, the next stage will involve engaging a qualified contractor to undertake detailed designs, supply and install the equipment and commission the systems.
The facilities will remain connected to the existing electricity network, with connection requirements coordinated with Energy Fiji Limited.
