Fiji prepared to continue doing its part in transitioning to solar power - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji is prepared to continue to do its part in the transition to solar power.

Speaking at the Making the Sun Shine Brighter Event in Madrid, Spain at COP25, Bainimarama says Fiji has started this transition so that they can build a clean and sustainable economy that serves the short and long-term interests of every Fijian.

He says Fiji is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Bainimarama says the government is overcoming the challenges of geography by installing solar panels in rural and maritime communities, avoiding the massive costs of expanding its national grid across all of our 128 populated islands, and cultivating climate resilience in these communities.

He also says through a landmark partnership with UN Women and the Barefoot College in India, they are training Fijian women from rural communities to become solar engineers so they can take up careers maintaining solar units back in Fiji.
 
Bainimarama adds in partnership with the Indian Government, they are building a Regional Barefoot College in Fiji, equipping people with in-demand skills suited to a modern economy powered by clean energy.