The contract, awarded following a competitive tender process, covers the installation of a 3.25-megawatt solar system at the airport’s solar farm site in Namaka, which is expected to become the largest ground-mounted solar development in Fiji.
Chief Executive of Fiji Airports Mesake Nawari says the project will help reduce the airport’s reliance on traditional power sources while improving the reliability of electricity supply as airport operations continue to grow.
Nawari says the investment will also support the organisation’s environmental goals by lowering carbon emissions while strengthening energy security for operations at the airport.
Once operational, he says the solar system is expected to offset a significant portion of the airport’s energy consumption during peak generation periods, with about 25 percent of the excess electricity being fed back into the national grid.
He adds that the project will also involve further development of the existing concept design prepared by solar consultant ITP Australia, which will be upgraded to a detailed design along with engineering studies required for installation.
Nawari explains that given the location of the solar farm within the airport compound, aviation safety will be a major consideration during the design phase, including a comprehensive glare study to ensure the installation does not affect aircraft operations.
Director of CBS Power Solutions Amit Singh says undertaking the project is a proud moment for the company and, once commissioned next year, it will be the largest project delivered by the company and one of the biggest for airport facilities in the Pacific region.
As part of capacity building, technical staff from Fiji Airports will also receive training during the first phase by working alongside experts from CBS Power Solutions.
Fiji Airports says a second phase of the project is currently under feasibility assessment, with plans to expand the solar farm to between 8 and 10 megawatts, potentially supported by a Battery Energy Storage System.
The solar farm forms part of Fiji Airports’ long-term sustainability strategy as it works towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
