Energy Fiji Limited Signs MoU For Yaqara Solar And Battery Storage Project In Fiji

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian company EPC Solar and its project partners to develop a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system in Yaqara, Fiji. The agreement represents an important step in the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy and strengthen its electricity infrastructure.

The partnership supports EFL’s target of increasing the share of renewable energy in Fiji’s electricity generation from around 49 percent currently to 60 percent by 2029 and 90 percent by 2035.

EFL Chief Executive Officer Fatiaki Gibson said the agreement moves the company’s renewable energy ambitions from planning toward project implementation. He stressed that Fiji’s clean energy targets need to translate into operating projects that are connected to the national electricity grid and deliver tangible benefits to consumers.

However, several key steps must be completed before the Yaqara project can begin construction and operations. EFL and its partners will undertake detailed due diligence, validate the proposed tariff, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and negotiate a commercially viable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Under the current framework, the parties aim to finalize the PPA by the first quarter of 2027, subject to successful completion of due diligence, tariff validation and regulatory clearances. The project is targeted to achieve commercial operation by early 2029.

The Yaqara solar and battery facility is expected to contribute to EFL’s broader plan to integrate 165 megawatts (MW) of solar power and battery storage into Fiji’s national grid by 2029. The project will also require supporting transmission infrastructure to be developed alongside the generation facility to ensure reliable grid integration.

EPC Solar is working with international partners, including Zero-E Services Australia Pty Ltd, on engineering, financing, development and project delivery. A dedicated private project entity is proposed to take responsibility for financing, constructing, owning, operating and maintaining the solar and battery assets.

The partnership is expected to bring private investment and international technical expertise into Fiji’s renewable energy sector while supporting grid modernization, energy security and the country’s long-term clean energy transition.