Fiji Accelerates Renewable Energy Transition With Regulatory Reforms To Achieve 100% Clean Electricity By 2036 – Report

The International Renewable Energy Agency and the Fiji Department of Energy have released a new assessment highlighting the steps needed for Fiji to achieve its ambitious clean energy targets. The island nation aims to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2036 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While the country has already made progress in renewable energy adoption, the report stresses that significant reforms in laws, regulations, and infrastructure will be necessary to meet these long-term goals.

According to the assessment, Fiji already has a relatively strong foundation in renewable power generation. Around 61% of its electricity currently comes from hydroelectric sources, while bioenergy contributes about 29%. Solar and wind energy each account for roughly 5% of the country’s electricity mix. Despite this progress, Fiji continues to depend heavily on imported fossil fuels, especially during periods when renewable generation is lower. This reliance exposes the country to fluctuations in global fuel prices and supply disruptions, creating challenges for energy security.

The report identifies several barriers that are slowing the transition toward a fully renewable power system. One of the key challenges is aging infrastructure, which limits the ability of the grid to handle new renewable energy projects. In addition, the country faces a shortage of local technical expertise needed to support large-scale renewable deployment and grid modernization. The regulatory environment is also described as a major obstacle, as it can discourage private sector participation in the energy market.

A central issue highlighted in the report is the limited integration of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) into the national electricity system. Reforms introduced in 2017 opened the door for private companies to participate in electricity generation. However, many IPPs continue to face difficulties due to lengthy approval procedures and power purchase agreements that they consider unfavorable. These agreements often create uncertainty around pricing and long-term returns on investment.

At the same time, Energy Fiji Limited maintains exclusive control over electricity transmission and distribution across the country. This structure creates additional complexity for new companies trying to enter the market or connect renewable projects to the grid. As a result, the report suggests that improvements in regulatory clarity and grid access will be essential to attract more private investment.

To address these challenges, the assessment proposes a phased roadmap for reform. In the short term, the focus should be on improving communication between the national utility and private developers. The report also recommends simplifying permitting procedures and creating standardized power purchase agreements that clearly define pricing mechanisms and performance standards. These steps could help accelerate the development of new renewable energy projects.

In the medium term, the report suggests amending existing legislation, including the Electricity Act 2017 and the FCCC Act 2010, to better align them with Fiji’s climate and energy transition goals. Strengthening regulatory oversight and improving transparency will be important in building confidence among investors. The report also highlights the need for major investments in grid upgrades so the system can better accommodate variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Looking further ahead, the long-term recommendation is a comprehensive overhaul of Fiji’s legal and regulatory framework. The aim is to create a modern energy market that encourages innovation, supports new financing models, and enables greater public participation in the clean energy transition.

The assessment concludes that Fiji’s path toward a low-carbon future is not only about deploying renewable technologies. It also requires building a skilled workforce through reskilling and upskilling programs. In addition, the country must develop strategies to gradually phase out fossil fuel assets without affecting energy security or affordability.

By establishing a strong monitoring system to track regulatory reforms and progress, Fiji hopes to ensure that its energy transition remains fair and inclusive. The report suggests that if these measures are implemented effectively, Fiji could become a global example for other Small Island Developing States seeking to transition to clean and reliable energy systems.