The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aims to electrify 20 rural communities in Fiji over the next four years with hybrid minigrid systems.
In conjunction with the UN’s Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF), UNDP is looking for firms interested in constructing, operating and maintaining solar minigrids and communications infrastructure in Fiji.
The Fiji systems will include solar, battery energy storage with at least three days of autonomy and backup diesel generators.
Smart metering, remote monitoring, smart inverters and load management technology will also be installed, and interested parties will be expected train local technicians for ongoing operations and maintenance of the systems.
The communications infrastructure projects include deployment of outdoor Wi-Fi networks and integrating communications systems with the solar minigrid power infrastructure.
Minigrids ideal for Pacific Islands
Minigrids, sometimes referred to as remote microgrids, are typically constructed in remote areas without access to a central grid. Software is used to control distributed energy resources like solar panels and battery storage, providing reliable, clean and affordable power.
Fiji, an archipelago in the South Pacific, has more than 300 islands within its borders. Roughly 4% of the population, mostly in rural communities, cannot access the country’s electric grid.
The 20 FREF minigrids, with a combined capacity of approximately 2 MW, are expected to provide clean, affordable and reliable power to roughly 6,500 Fijians.
They are also expected to help the country meet its goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Currently, remote communities and the Fijian electric grid are highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. The minigrids should avoid nearly 3,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.
Several other minigrids have been installed or are under way across Oceania including in Tonga and Micronesia. Applications closed last month for a UN-backed minigrid project in Papua New Guinea.
Fiji EOI deadline April 17
The deadline for expressions of interest for the Fiji project is April 17. Tenders for the 20 minigrids and communications projects will be issued in two stages. Stage 1, which includes minigrids and communications projects on Kioa, Lakeba and Yacata Islands, will be released by the end of the year.
UNDP expects to issue the Stage 2 tender for the remaining 17 sites by May 2026.
You can review the full EOI here.
