Naselsele Village, Taveuni – January 24, 2025 – Prime Minister of Fiji H.E. Sitiveni Rabuka officially commissioned the Mua Solar Farm Project in Naselsele village yesterday, marking a progressive step in Fiji’s pursuit of a clean energy future. The new solar farm which was completed in early 2024 with a total investment of FJD 6.8 million, is a key part of Fiji’s renewable energy strategy. It will provide sustainable electricity to hundreds of residents on Taveuni Island, advancing the nation’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. 

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka spoke of the project’s broader significance, stating, “This marks a significant step forward in our collective journey toward progress. These projects embody our shared vision of a Fiji where every individual, regardless of where they live, has access to the life-changing benefits of electricity. To the people of Taveuni, the clean and sustainable energy we celebrate today is your opportunity to rise, grow, and thrive.” 

The Mua Solar Farm project was initiated from a pre-feasibility study conducted in 2017 that was implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).  The study explored the potential for Taveuni to transition to 100% renewable energy supply and confirmed the feasibility of a 1.55 MW Photovoltaic (PV) system solar farm.  The Fiji Government then decided to proceed with the investment with co-funding from the Korean Government through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) contributing FJD 5.85 million (USD 2.49m) and the Fiji Government contributing FJD 0.95 million (USD 0.40m).  The completed and commissioned project will power the island with 65% renewable energy, supplementing the Somosomo Hydro Project, making Taveuni the first island out of 330 in Fiji to achieve 100% renewable energy supply. 

The Mua Solar Farm not only contributes to emission reduction but also exemplifies the growing role of renewable energy in Fiji’s transition to sustainable development. By displacing diesel-based electricity generation, the farm helps reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, which currently account for a significant portion of Fiji’s energy mix. This shift not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances energy security and resilience against volatile fuel prices. Additionally, the project sets a precedent for future renewable energy investments, serving as a model for integrating clean energy into Fiji’s grid. Fiji’s Ministry of Finance, Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), the Department of Energy (DOE), and KOICA worked collaboratively to bring this project to life. This partnership began with a formal agreement in May 2017, setting the stage for the implementation of the solar PV project. GGGI’s detailed feasibility studies ensured the project’s viability and alignment with national energy targets and green growth objectives. 

 For community members, the impact is already being felt. Katherine Fisher, a resident of Naselsele village, shared her gratitude, saying, “For 18 years, our village relied on an old generator that constantly broke down. Now, my children can study with the lights on, and I can even use my electric oven to bake. This electricity is truly life-changing for us.” Village headman Sekaraia Koroirua added, “The people of Naselsele can now own electric appliances and do their businesses with ease. This is a new beginning for us all.” 

The Mua Solar Farm project represents a transformative moment in Fiji’s renewable energy sector and plays a vital role in the country’s efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. With this milestone, Fiji continues to demonstrate the potential for small island nations to embrace renewable energy solutions. 

GGGI has recently completed the scoping and assessment of 75 new solar PV sites across Fiji and will help mobilize the necessary international climate finance to fund the 75 sites as part of the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund initiative. The 75 sites will benefit 75 communities and around 7000 Households in rural areas and remote islands. “Just as communities on Taveuni Island are benefiting from the Mua Solar Plant, hundreds of communities across Fiji are actively working with the government to improve their access to sustainable electricity. GGGI is proud to be a partner in a consortium including Arizona State University and UNDP, supporting the Fijian government in providing better access to sustainable electricity in rural communities. The Mua Solar Plant serves as a significant milestone that we need to replicate rapidly through mechanisms such as the Fiji Renewable Energy Fund (FREF).” 

About GGGI 

Based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, GGGI is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization- with 49 Member States and over 29 partner countries and regional integration organization(s) in the process of accession – dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. With operations in 51 countries, GGGI serves the role of an enabler and facilitator of Members’ transition into a low-carbon green economy, providing policy advice and technical support in the development of green growth plans, policies and regulations, mobilization of green investments, implementation of green growth projects, and development of local capacities and knowledge sharing. Further information on GGGI’s events, projects and publications can be found at www.gggi.org. 

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(GGGI Pacific)  

Taniela Tabuya| Senior Energy Officer | 

taniela.tabuya@gggi.org 

(GGGI Pacific) 
Kelly Vacala|Regional Communications and Knowledge Sharing Officer  

kelly.vacala@gggi.org