WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

The Vaturu project (3 MW, 86.8 per cent design
efficiency, 20,000 MWh/year) is located at Sabeto city
in Nandi province. It commenced construction in June
2004 and started operation in January 2005. The
Wainikasou project (6.5 MW, 90 per cent design
efficiency, 18,000 MWh) is located at the central
highlands of Viti Levu in an area called Waimala-
Naidasiri. The Wainikasou project commenced
operations in May 2004. 10
Renewable energy policy
The target for renewable energy electricity generation
is 90 per cent by 2015. 10
The Fiji Department of Energy (FDOE) is responsible
for national energy policies, energy efficiency and
renewable energy development and rural
electrification. Its mission is to facilitate the
development of a resource-efficient, cost-effective
and environmentally sustainable energy sector in Fiji. 2
In 2006, the National Energy Policy (NEP) was
approved by the cabinet. It provides a common
framework for both the public and private sector to
work towards the optimum utilization of energy
resources, for the overall growth and development of
the economy. The policy focuses on four key strategic
areas: national energy planning, energy security,
power sector development, and renewable energy
development. 6
Based on the results of the Hydropower Assessment
Program, hydropower was incorporated into the
renewable energy policy as an electrification option. 2
References
1. Central Intelligence Agency (2012). The World
Factbook. Available from
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook./
2. Gonelevu, A. (2002). Mini and micro hydropower
developments in the Republics of the Fiji Islands.
Available from www.hrcshp.org/en/world/db/fiji.pdf.
3. Fiji Meteorological Office (2013). Fiji’s Climate.
Available from www.met.gov.fj/page.php?id=100.
4. Fiji Electricity Agency(2011). Annual Report 2010.
5. International Journal on Hydropower and Dams
(2011). World Atlas and Industry Guide 2011. Surrey,
UK: Aquamedia International.
6. Clean Energy Portal - Reegle (2011). Energy Profile:
Fiji. Available from www.reegle.info/countries.
7. Polintan, L.J. (2011). China funds $ 10.8 million
small hydro plant in Fiji. 7 January. Available from
www.ecoseed.org.
8. Fiji, Department of Energy (2013). Somosomo
Hydro. Available from
www.fdoe.gov.fj/index.php/power-sector/somosomohydro.
9. Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology
of the United Nations Economic and Social Comission
for Asia and the Pacific (2009). Fiji Renewable Energy
Paper.
10. Ecosecurities (2005). Vaturu and Wainikasou
Hydro Projects, Fiji. Project Design Document.
Available from http://cdm.unfccc.int/.
11. International Renewable Energy Agency (2012).
IRENA Policy Brief: Policy Challenges for Renewable
Energy Deployment in Pacific Island Countries and
Territories p. 24.
Barriers to small hydropower development
Most parts of the islands are subject to dry
seasonal periods or dry periods between high
rainfall events. The generally steep topography in
areas where hydropower potential sites might be
expected, might lead to rapid runoffs and
landslips, unless there is a considerable
groundwater feed to the stream, discharge falls off
rapidly to some base flow, which may be very
limiting as far as firm power production is
concerned;
Very intense rainfall events, particularly during the
passage of tropical cyclones near or over the
islands, may result in severe flooding in the
streams which introduces certain problems
affecting the design, operation and maintenance
of diversion and intake structures;
During flood discharges, streams carry a bed load
of cobbles, gravel and sand as well as floating
debris, which cause potential problems in small
intake works.
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