Fiji’s transition to renewable energy is facing significant hurdles due to aging electrical infrastructure and a regulatory environment that creates institutional conflicts of interest for the national utility. According to the authors of the newly released report, these technical and structural challenges make it difficult for the country to integrate weather-dependent power sources and attract necessary private investment.
The report states that “aging infrastructure presents barriers to the integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind” and notes that “EFL has a potential conflict of interest, given that the regulator has delegated part of its regulatory powers to EFL.”
In simple terms, Fiji’s current power lines and equipment are old and were not built to handle the unpredictable nature of solar and wind power, which require a more flexible and modern grid. Additionally, the country’s main power company effectively serves as its own referee in some areas, which can make new private investors worry about whether they are being treated fairly. These issues make it much harder for the nation to move away from its historical reliance on fossil fuels.
The report ‘Fiji: Assessment of Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition’ was published by the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi in 2026. Prepared by a team led by the legal firm Siwatibau and Sloan in collaboration with the Fiji Department of Energy, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for reforming the Pacific nation’s electricity sector to meet ambitious climate goals.
