Fiji Agrophotovoltaic Project in Ovalau

To promote climate-resilient renewable energy generation and sustainable agriculture in Ovalau, Fiji, by implementing an integrated solar agro-photovoltaic (APV) system with microgrid stabilization, while strengthening local technical capacity, supporting community livelihoods, and enabling replicable models for other islands and SIDS

• Renewable Energy Installation
- Planned establishment of a 4 MWp Solar AgroPhotovoltaic (APV) system integrated with a 5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
- Expected reduction of GHG emissions by replacing diesel-based power generation on Ovalau.
• Land-Sharing Model
- Innovative APV design allowing dual use of land for agriculture and renewable energy generation.
- Expected to preserve arable land while promoting renewable energy targets.
• Capacity Building
- Expectations to Strengthening technical skills for local communities and project implementers in APV technology.
- Enhancing replication capacity for future projects in Fiji and other SIDS.
• Agricultural Co-Benefits
- Expected improvements in crop yield through shading effects of APV systems, reducing water evaporation and increasing climate resilience.
- Facilitation of smart farming with access to electricity and climate monitoring tools.
• Energy & Infrastructure Goals
- Expect to also Contribute to Fiji’s NDC target of 100% renewable energy generation by 2035.
- Reduction of diesel import costs (14–17% of GDP annually) and dependence on fossil fuels.

• Promote gender equality and women’s active participation in project employment, training, and decision-making.
• Prioritize women, especially female-headed households, for jobs and technical training in APV and BESS systems.
• Ensure equal pay for women and men in similar roles.
• Conduct classroom and field training for women engineers, youth, and community members.
• Establish Specialized Climate Financi+N16+O16

• The project is the first Agro-Photovoltaic (APV) initiative in Fiji and aims to balance renewable energy development (NDC target) with protecting arable land and food security (NAP target). • Project expected to serve as a demonstration model for replication across Fiji and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Fiji Development Bank Senior Loan USD 1,000,000.

•    Establishment of a 4 MWp Agro-Photovoltaic (APV) solar power plant in Ovalau, enabling dual use of land for energy generation and agriculture.
•    Installation and integration of a 5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the Ovalau microgrid to stabilize renewable energy supply and reduce reliance on diesel.
•    Transfer of technical expertise through training of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) engineers, technicians, youth, and community members in operation, maintenance, and management of APV systems, BESS, and microgrid stabilization.
•    Introduction of solar prediction software tailored for Fiji’s context, supporting local capacity in renewable energy forecasting and grid dispatch planning.
•    Knowledge and technology transfer facilitated by KOICA’s in-kind contribution of the 5 MWh BESS and international experts providing technical assistance and capacity building.

•    Training of EFL engineers and technicians on microgrid stabilization, PV array, and BESS operation and maintenance to strengthen national technical capacity.
•    Youth and women in Ovalau communities trained in PV and BESS technologies to enhance local employment opportunities and technical skills.
•    Development of specialized climate financing facility and regulatory scheme through the Ministry of Economy and FDB, building institutional capacity for future APV and climate projects.
•    Awareness workshops and training for policymakers and community representatives on APV systems, climate change threats, and gender-responsive decision-making to strengthen governance capacity.