The UAE has signed a partnership agreement with New Zealand and Fiji to develop the second phase of the Lakaru Renewable Energy Project in Fiji.
The agreement was signed during the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), where the UAE brings together the countries of the world to achieve a shift in global climate action efforts at a crucial moment.
The agreement was signed on the part of the UAE by His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, on the part of the Republic of Fiji by His Excellency Sitivini Rabuka, Prime Minister, and on the part of New Zealand by His Excellency Richard Kay, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the UAE. The signing of the agreement comes within the framework of the UAE’s efforts to support the renewable energy sector and implement the second phase of the Lakaru project in Fiji.
The UAE’s contribution of US$1.5 million aims to enhance access to electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support economic opportunities in Fiji’s three island communities: Lakeba, Kadavu and Rotoma by adding a battery bank and replacing diesel generators with a renewable energy system.
In this regard, His Excellency Al Sayegh said: “Achieving sustainable development in the field of renewable energy for developing countries and international partnerships is among the priorities of the UAE’s foreign aid policy, and aims to enhance development cooperation at the global level in projects related to clean and renewable energy. The project is expected to bring economic and environmental savings to Fiji as a result of improved access to electricity, reduced dependence on fuel, and reduced harmful emissions.”
His Excellency praised the important role played by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in financing the project, as well as the Masdar Company that will implement it.
In turn, His Excellency Sitivini Rabuka said: “I am very pleased to participate today in the opening of the second phase of the energy project on the islands of Lakiba, Kadavu and Rotuma in Fiji, which are collectively known as Lakaru. I extend my sincere thanks to the government of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and the government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand. “For their valuable partnership and support through joint financing that allowed the project to be implemented.”
He added: “The launch of the second phase of the Lakaru project confirms the coalition government’s commitment to developing the services provided in urban and marine areas.”
It is noteworthy that New Zealand invested one million US dollars to support the Lakaroo project within the framework of the partnership agreement.
It is worth noting that the first phase of the project was opened in 2015 during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Fiji. The project includes the construction of three small-scale solar photovoltaic power plants that provide clean energy to three islands in Fiji. The project was financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, within the framework of the initiative launched by His Highness in 2013 within the Partnership Fund between the UAE and the Pacific Countries. WAM
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