Delivery of Energy Services in Unfamiliar Contexts: Learnings from Fiji

How does one best ensure success in photovoltaic (PV) energy access initiatives? By documenting the design process for a technology-based intervention, developed through a UNSW Sydney and University of the South Pacific (USP) collaboration with the Viwa Island community in Fiji, the study presented in this paper investigates, tests and assesses best practices in implementing PV solutions for the purpose of sustainable development. The work serves as a foundation for project continuation, providing recommendations for implementation and arguing that a sociocultural focus must be prioritised when technologies operate within complex systems. Pacific Island countries are experiencing compounding pressures as a result of climate change, urbanisation and population growth. In the broader context of the Sustainable Development Goals, this necessitates the urgent deployment of innovative solutions to build on livelihood assets and enhance the resilience of base of pyramid populations. As the nascent off-grid solar refrigeration sector develops, the possibility of clean and affordable temperaturecontrolled supply chains - cold chains, could play a vital role in empowering remote island communities that are dependent on agriculture or fishing for livelihoods. Through literature review, participatory fieldwork, technology assessment and desk-based ideation, recommendations have been drawn to facilitate the implementation of energy services enabling cold storage within the Viwa community. Based on a systems thinking approach, this study also highlights how a collaboration between UNSW and USP could assist in deployment of new technologies; delivering direct benefits to remote island fisherfolk, whilst providing learning opportunities for the research community as a whole. Importantly, success critically depends on community consensus and specific measures including a comprehensive and ongoing monitoring program