Renewable Energy to Promote Rural Education in Fiji

It is clear the world has a long way to go to reach the common sustainability goal of 100% energy access for all by 2030. Not long ago, Fiji revised its energy policy targets for 100% electrification by 2020 and an optimistic 99% renewable generation by 2030. Unfortunately, that has yet to become a reality. Challenges such as climate change, resulting in several damaging tropical storms, and the global Covid pandemic have delayed progress.

Climate change negatively impacts Small Island Developing States (SIDS) more than larger landmasses with modern infrastructure. Fiji, a 300+ island nation of less than a million inhabitants, has seen sea levels and temperatures rising and an increase in severe weather. In fact, the 2016 Tropical Cyclone Winston alone impacted 62% of Fiji’s population and caused damage and loss of US$ 995 million.

Residents and businesses in remote island villages continue to struggle without access to safe, reliable, and affordable power. Fiji’s top industry is tourism. Most tourists are not amenable to accommodations without power, intermittent power, noisy and polluting diesel generators, and dangerous kerosene lighting. However, lack of reliable energy has even higher long-term dire consequences for the children being poorly educated in these remote communities.

Educational activities have become more complex as every country prepares its citizens to contribute to the modern global economy. Today’s basic curriculum cannot be mastered without access to computers, the internet, and other telecommunications distance learning technologies. Additionally, students need to spend more time studying after dark. Pollution-free, safe lighting is critical for successful learning.

Thankfully, there are organizations and programs supporting the installation of renewable energy systems to power education in rural communities.

Vision Energy Solutions (VES) of Fiji was contracted by a leading global development consulting firm with more than 40 years of experience providing practical and sustainable international development services in over 80 countries, to design and construct custom solar systems to provide power to schools in the remote villages of Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands. The VES engineering and installation experts are all Fijian and highly experienced in renewable energy technologies. The VES projects were successful due to the traits and experience of the VES team:

• Superior level of international professionalism/English speakers
• Advanced solar technical expertise
• Access to modern solar component vendors
• Focus on flawless quality
• Familiarity with local culture
• Prior social relationships with local community members to establish trust quickly
• Commitment and dedication to get the job done within significant infrastructure challenges

It is important to note, most of the projects were constructed in remote villages without road access. The VES team needed to be familiar with the local conditions and be willing to walk in equipment long distances. Obviously, no grid electricity or telecom signal was available. The team relied on hand tools, fossil fuel generators, and outdated communication methods needed to be employed.