The review of Fiji’s National Energy Policy is almost complete with the finalisation to be made by the end of this month.
Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities, Timoci Natuva revealed this at the final consultations on the policy in Suva today.
Mr Natuva said the review of the energy policy is aimed at improving our overall reliability and security of supply and quality of energy services, as well as continuing work on accessibility, sustainability and efficiency.
He said that the contribution by various stakeholders towards the draft energy policy has enabled government to inculcate smart choices about the current and future energy needs for Fiji.
“We have also aligned our policy with the UN Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) objectives and have captured recent changes, challenges and emerging issues affecting Fiji and the region,” Mr Natuva said.
The review of the policy began with consultation workshops with important players in the energy sector in the beginning of this year.
“All comments received were compiled and submitted to the team of consultants that were appointed to facilitate the review for us. With the work that has been accomplished, I believe we can all say that we now have a clear direction and way forward in terms of our energy requirements.
“With the choices that we have made for ourselves, I believe we will be saving much needed expenses in terms of imported mineral fuel products, thus continue to forge ahead and reduce the deficit in our balance of payments,” Mr Natuva said.
The minister highlighted that Fiji’s efforts to better use and manage its energy resources also contributed to the global effort of mitigating risks of climate change and environmental degradation.
Six strategic areas have been identified in the draft energy policy:
-Grid-based power supply;
-Rural electrification;
-Renewable Energy;
-Transport;
-Petroleum and substitute fuels;
-Energy Efficiency;
Mr Natuva added that the strategic areas will assist Fiji in achieving a resource efficient, cost effective and environmentally sustainable energy sector here.
“We can only move closer to our vision if we are united, and more importantly work together in the implementation of the policy.”
The policy to be implemented soon is the result of coordinated efforts between Economic Consultants Associates (ECA) and Snowy Mountain Engineering Consultants (SMEC), funding partners such as German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the various stakeholders.
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