The United Arab Emirates has signed a Partnership Arrangement with Fiji and New Zealand to develop the second phase of the LAKARO Renewable Energy Project in Fiji.
The signing took place during COP28, where the UAE is bringing the world together at a critical moment for global, transformative climate action.
The Arrangement was signed on behalf of the United Arab Emirates by His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, from the Republic of Fiji by His Excellency Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister, and on the New Zealand side by His Excellency Dr Richard Kay, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the UAE.
The signing of the Arrangement comes within the framework of the UAE’s efforts to support the renewable energy sector and implement phase two of the LAKARO project in Fiji. The UAE’s contribution of USD 1.5 million to the project aims to improve access to electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and develop economic opportunities in the three islands in Fiji: Lakeba, Kadevu, and Rotuma, by adding a battery bank and replacing diesel generators with a renewable energy system.
HE 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, aiming to enhance developmental cooperation at the global level in projects related to clean and renewable energy. The project is expected to have an economic and environmental impact on Fiji’s economy, as a result of improving access to electricity, reducing fuel dependency, and decreasing harmful emissions in Fiji.”
His Excellency also commended the prominent role of the Abu Dhabi Fund For Development in financing the project, as well as the role of Masdar, the company that will implement the project.
For his part, His Excellency Sitiveni Rabuka said:
"It brings me immense pleasure to participate in today's launch of Phase II of the Lakeba, Kadavu, and Rotuma Renewable Energy Project in Fiji, affectionately known as LAKARO.”
He added: “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, and the Government of New Zealand’s Ministry of Affairs and Trade for their invaluable partnership and co-funding support that has made the implementation of this project possible. The initiation of Phase II of the LAKARO Project aligns with the Peoples Coalition Government's dedication to enhancing service delivery in our rural and maritime areas.”
As part of the Partnership Arrangement, New Zealand has committed USD 1 million to support the LAKARO Project.
Notably, the first phase of the LAKARO project was launched in 2015, during a visit to Fiji by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The project included establishing three small-scale solar photovoltaic power plants that provide clean energy to three islands in Fiji, with the project funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, as part of the initiative launched by His Highness in 2013, within the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund.
