Fiji

$40M solar mini-grid rollout for remote islands. The Empowering Paradise initiative, led by Arizona State University (ASU) under the LEAPS (Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions) program, was designed to bring resilient, solar-powered microgrid solutions to remote island communities in Fiji. The objective was to improve energy access, reduce diesel dependency, and enhance climate resilience through community-driven, modular solar systems. The initiative combined technical innovation with local capacity building, enabling sustainable energy transitions in vulnerable island ecosystems.

Impact and Inference:
This project demonstrated how academic partnerships and modular solar technologies can empower isolated communities with clean, reliable electricity. It emphasized the importance of co-designing energy systems with local stakeholders, ensuring long-term sustainability and ownership. The model is highly replicable in other island and off-grid contexts facing similar energy and climate challenges.

Read more: Empowering Paradise: Fiji’s Solar Revolution Lighting Up Remote Islands

$10M solar-agriculture hybrid project improving food security. The Agrophotovoltaic Project, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), was launched in Fiji to integrate solar energy generation with agricultural production. The objective was to optimize land use by installing solar panels above crop fields, enabling dual benefits—clean energy and enhanced food security. The project aimed to build climate resilience, reduce emissions, and support sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable rural communities.

Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how agrophotovoltaics can address both energy and agricultural challenges simultaneously. It showcased the potential of innovative land-use models to improve resource efficiency, empower farmers, and contribute to climate adaptation. The project is especially relevant for countries facing land scarcity, energy poverty, and climate vulnerability

Read more: Agrophotovoltaic

The Rural Electrification Support Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was implemented in Fiji to expand access to reliable electricity in remote and underserved communities. The project’s objective was to deploy decentralized renewable energy systems—primarily solar PV and mini-grids—to improve living standards, support education and healthcare, and reduce reliance on diesel. It emphasized community ownership, capacity building, and gender-inclusive development, making it a model for sustainable rural electrification.

The total project cost is estimated at USD 3.4 million, financed primarily through a USD 3 million grant from ADB’s Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, with an additional USD 0.4 million contribution from the Government of Fiji. The grant modality was chosen over lending to reduce fiscal burden and accelerate implementation in underserved regions. The financing structure integrates technical assistance for O&M planning and gender-inclusive capacity development, aligning with Fiji’s national target of 100% renewable energy-based rural electrification by 2036.

Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how targeted investments in renewable energy can transform rural economies and improve social outcomes. It highlighted the importance of inclusive planning, local engagement, and technical support in ensuring long-term sustainability. The project serves as a replicable framework for countries seeking to close rural energy gaps while advancing climate goals.

Read more: 57056-001: Rural Electrification Support Project | Asian Development Bank

With over 300 islands and a significant portion of the population relying on inter-island transport, Fiji faces high fuel costs and logistical challenges. Solar ferries can reduce dependence on imported diesel, lower emissions, and improve connectivity for rural communities, aligning with Fiji’s climate goals and tourism-driven economy.

The Solar Ferry Boats initiative in Bangladesh was developed to provide clean, affordable, and efficient water transport across rivers and coastal areas, particularly benefiting communities dependent on waterways for daily mobility. The objective was to reduce fuel costs, improve safety, and cut emissions by replacing diesel-powered boats with solar-powered alternatives. These ferries have proven effective in reducing operational costs, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote regions.

Impact and Inference:
The initiative demonstrated how solar-powered transport can be a game-changer for low-income, water-reliant communities. It offers a replicable model for integrating renewable energy into public transport, especially in geographies where waterways are central to daily life. The program also underscores the potential of green infrastructure to support inclusive development and climate resilience.

Read more: Development of Solar PV-based Water Transportation.pdf

With over 100 inhabited islands and many communities lacking grid access, Fiji can benefit from mini-grids to power homes, schools, and clinics. This supports both climate resilience and sustainable tourism development in off-grid areas.

The GDS International Mini-Grids initiative in Benin focuses on deploying solar-powered mini-grids to electrify remote communities that are beyond the reach of national grids. The objective is to provide reliable, clean electricity for households, schools, health centers, and small businesses, thereby fostering inclusive development. By combining technical innovation with community engagement and private sector investment, the initiative has successfully improved energy access, reduced reliance on diesel, and stimulated local economies.

Impact and Inference:
This initiative illustrates how decentralized energy infrastructure can bridge the rural electrification gap in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. It highlights the importance of tailored energy solutions that match local demand profiles, and the role of mini-grids in enabling productive use of electricity, improving public services, and supporting climate goals. 3 MW decentralized solar mini-grids with productive use focus.

Read more: Innovative Rural Electrification Microgrid (Benin)

Fiji’s island geography and vulnerability to climate change align well with solar and battery-based grid solutions. Replicating this model can enhance energy reliability, reduce emissions, and support sustainable development in both urban and remote communities.

The South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was launched in Kiribati to reduce reliance on imported diesel and improve energy access in the capital region. The project’s objective was to install grid-connected solar PV systems and battery storage to stabilize the local grid, lower electricity costs, and enhance climate resilience. It also included capacity building and institutional support to strengthen the country’s renewable energy governance.

Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how solar energy and storage solutions can transform energy systems in remote island contexts. It improved energy reliability, reduced emissions, and supported Kiribati’s climate adaptation goals. The project also highlighted the importance of integrating technical infrastructure with policy and institutional development for long-term sustainability.

Read more: 49450-021: South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project | Asian Development Bank

Fiji’s dispersed geography and reliance on diesel for power generation (over 40% of electricity in outer islands) make community solar ideal for reducing fuel imports and enhancing energy resilience. The country’s commitment to 100% renewable electricity by 2036 aligns well with shared solar models that can be deployed in clusters across islands.

The Hawai‘i Island Community Solar Project in the USA was launched to democratize access to renewable energy by enabling residents—especially renters and low-income households—to subscribe to shared solar installations. The objective was to reduce energy costs, promote equity in clean energy access, and support Hawai‘i’s goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2045. The project leveraged community-based solar arrays and subscription models, allowing participants to receive credits on their electricity bills without installing rooftop systems.

The project’s impact has been notable: participants saw average savings of 10–15% on monthly electricity bills, and the initiative contributed to reducing carbon emissions by over 1,000 metric tons annually. It demonstrated that community solar can be a scalable solution for inclusive energy transition, especially in geographies with high solar potential but limited rooftop access. The inference is that policy-backed community solar models can bridge equity gaps in renewable energy adoption while supporting national decarbonization targets.

Read more: Community Based Renewable Energy - Hawai‘i State Energy Office

With over 300 islands and limited land for utility-scale solar, floating solar on inland water bodies and reservoirs can reduce diesel dependence and support Fiji’s goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2036.

The Sungrow Solar Farm in Huainan, China is a pioneering 40 MW floating solar power plant built on a former coal mine lake. Featuring 166,000 solar panels, it was once the world’s largest floating solar array. The project not only generates clean energy for around 15,000 homes, but also symbolizes China’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables by repurposing degraded industrial land

Read more: World’s Largest Floating Solar Station Floats Over Flooded Coal Pit in China

Fiji’s agricultural sector employs 60% of the rural population, and the country faces land constraints due to urbanization and climate risks. Agrivoltaics can protect crops from heat stress, reduce irrigation needs, and support Fiji’s 100% renewable electricity goal by 2036.

The TSE Marville Agrivoltaic Station in France is a pioneering project that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production. Its objective is to optimize land use by installing elevated solar panels that allow crops to grow underneath, creating a dual-use system that supports both food and energy security. This model addresses land scarcity challenges while promoting sustainable farming practices and renewable energy adoption.

The impact has been impressive: the station spans 150 hectares, generating 250 MW of solar power while maintaining agricultural productivity. It reduces land-use conflicts, improves crop resilience against extreme weather, and contributes significantly to France’s renewable energy targets. The key inference is that agrivoltaics can deliver synergistic benefits—clean energy, climate adaptation, and rural economic development—especially in regions with high solar potential and agricultural dependence.

Read more: TSE Unveils '2nd Largest Solar Plant in France' with 152 MW...

Fiji’s dependence on rainwater harvesting and vulnerability to cyclones make water security a challenge. Solar desalination can ensure reliable potable water for 300+ outer islands, supporting climate resilience and reducing diesel use.

The Solar Desalination Systems initiative in Cape Verde addresses freshwater scarcity by using solar-powered desalination to convert seawater into potable water. Its objective is to provide sustainable drinking water solutions for island and coastal communities while reducing reliance on expensive diesel-powered desalination plants. The system integrates photovoltaic panels with reverse osmosis technology, ensuring low operational costs and minimal carbon footprint.

The impact has been significant: Cape Verde’s solar desalination plants produce up to 1,500 m³ of fresh water daily, reducing fuel imports and cutting CO₂ emissions by over 1,000 tons annually. This approach has improved water security for thousands of residents and demonstrated that renewable-powered desalination can be a viable solution for climate-vulnerable regions. The key inference is that solar desalination systems can simultaneously tackle water scarcity and energy sustainability challenges in areas with abundant solar resources.

Read more: FuturaSun in Cape Verde: clean energy for clean water