Role of solar photovoltaics in future electricity generation in Fiji

This main objective of this work is to investigate how different penetration levels of solar PV in Viti Levu’s grid aids in achieving diversification of supply, reducing Fiji’s fossil fuel consumption in generation, achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and also contributing to Fiji’s Green Growth Framework (GGF). GGF is a living document developed to strengthen environmental resilience while at the same time growing the economy and driving social improvement. Long Range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) tool developed by Stockholm Energy Institute is used for modelling where the base year is 2015 and the end year is 2040. The input data were mainly sourced from Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) annual reports, Fiji Bureau of Statistics and personal communication with EFL personnel. With Fiji’s GDP increasing at 3% per annum and population growing at 0.6% per annum, this study finds that Fiji’s NDC target of 100% RE generation is possible at an investment cost of around 1.3 billion USD. In 2015, emissions from grid-electricity generation was calculated as 359 Gg of CO2-e from modelling