Great news for the people of Mua and Naselesele in Taveuni as they now can access electricity in the comfort of their homes after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka commissioned the Mua solar farm and Naselesele grid extension projects today.
While speaking at the commissioning, Rabuka says these achievements are not just about energy infrastructure, it is about lighting up lives, empowering communities and creating a brighter and more sustainable future.
He acknowledged the Korean government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, for their financial and technical support towards the Mua Solar Farm project.
The Prime Minister says these projects also align with Fiji’s global commitment to a 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
He adds the Mua Solar Farm Power Station was initiated in 2018 through collaboration between the government, KOICA and Energy Fiji Limited.
Rabuka says the project has a total installed capacity of 1.065 megawatts of solar farm panels with a 0.5 megawatt-per-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system at a total project design and construction cost of $6.75 million.
He adds that $5.8 million was funded by KOICA.
The Prime Minister says he has been reliably informed that the project faced numerous challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the system was completed and energized in early 2024.
Rabuka says this Mua Solar Farm Power Station will supplement the Somosomo Hydro project and will elevate Taveuni to be the first island in Fiji to have access to 100 percent renewable and clean energy supply.
He says the Wailagi Naselesele Grid Extension and Houses Wiring Project is another transformative project in Taveuni, with a total investment of $4.29 million.
The Prime Minister adds that $3.94 million was invested into the grid extension and $355,000 for house wiring works.
He further adds that this extension now connects 130 residential houses, a school and a number of small businesses, benefiting approximately 650 residents.
