EPC Renewables & international partner Grupo Cobra, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) for the development of the Yaqara Solar & Battery Project, establishing the company's flagship Independent Power Producer (IPP) platform in Fiji and creating a foundation for long-term economic development in the region.
The current project will be delivered in two stages:
Stage 1
- 22 MW Solar PV
- 40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Stage 2
- 120 MW Solar PV
- 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The project combines utility-scale solar generation with battery storage to support Fiji's renewable energy transition, improve energy security and strengthen grid reliability through a long-term energy supply arrangement with EFL. By increasing the contribution of locally generated renewable energy, the project will help reduce Fiji's reliance on imported diesel generation, lowering energy costs, reducing exposure to fuel price volatility and supply chain disruptions, and improving long-term energy self-sufficiency. The integration of large-scale battery storage will further enhance grid stability and reliability by enabling renewable energy to be dispatched when it is needed most.
Importantly, the Yaqara Project is expected to act as a catalyst for broader regional development, supporting the future growth of a new economic precinct with the potential to include residential communities, tourism facilities, commercial and industrial activities, port infrastructure and airport development.
"The Yaqara Project is a transformational opportunity for EPC Renewables and an important step in Fiji's renewable energy future," said Daryn Stocks, Managing Director of EPC Renewables.
"This project establishes our first major IPP platform in Fiji and demonstrates our commitment to delivering reliable renewable energy infrastructure while creating long-term economic, employment and community benefits."
The announcement marks a significant milestone in EPC Renewables' evolution from a renewable energy EPC contractor to a developer, owner and operator of renewable energy infrastructure across Australia, Fiji and the Pacific.
EPC Renewables has also executed an MOU with Grupo Cobra, establishing a framework to collaborate on the delivery of EPC works for Stage 1 and future project expansions. The arrangement creates significant construction and infrastructure delivery opportunities while further strengthening EPC Renewables' capability and credentials in the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects throughout the Pacific.
A key focus of the development will be workforce participation and skills development. EPC Renewables expects the project to support the employment of approximately 200 Indigenous Fijians, creating pathways into the rapidly growing renewable energy sector through electrical traineeships, apprenticeships and technical training programs.
The company intends to work alongside the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), the Smart Energy Council (SEC) and the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) to help develop local renewable energy capabilities and establish long-term career opportunities for Fijians in engineering, electrical and clean energy industries. Through these partnerships, EPC Renewables aims to support training, industry accreditation, workforce development and the creation of sustainable career pathways that build local capability within Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
"Yaqara is more than a renewable energy project. It is a platform for regional growth, skills development and community participation," Stocks said.
"This development has the potential to help unlock a new economic corridor in Fiji, supporting future residential, tourism, commercial, industrial, port and airport infrastructure. Reliable and affordable energy is fundamental to that growth."
"The project will also play an important role in reducing reliance on imported diesel generation. By combining large-scale solar generation with battery storage, Fiji can increase its energy independence, reduce fuel-related energy risks, improve grid reliability and provide more stable long-term electricity costs for consumers and businesses."
"As an Indigenous focused renewable energy company, we are committed to ensuring the benefits of the energy transition extend beyond clean power. Through training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, we aim to help build a skilled local workforce that can participate in Fiji's renewable energy future."
"Working closely with organisations such as CIT, the Smart Energy Council and SEIAPI, we want to help create a pathway for Indigenous Fijians to enter and build long-term careers in the renewable energy sector while supporting the growth of a highly skilled clean energy workforce across the Pacific."