Energy Infrastructure, Charging Infrastructure and E-Mobility in the Pacific Islands

In the energy sector, Fiji is regarded as a regional frontrunner but remains dependent on fossil fuels: only around 35% of electricity generation comes from renewable sources, and 17% of rural households are not connected to the grid. The government aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. The national utility, Energy Fiji Limited, has set interim targets of 90% renewable electricity generation by 2035. These efforts are supported by solar and hybrid microgrids funded by UNDP and the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund. A total of 20 systems are planned, combining photovoltaic power, battery storage, smart metering, and backup generators – starting with pilot villages and subsequently expanding to additional communities.

At the same time, Fiji is advancing transport electrification. In 2023, Tourism Fiji introduced the country’s first electric vehicle fleet, followed in 2024 by Rosie Holidays, which launched a fully electric tourist vehicle. Leaf Capital, in cooperation with the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, is developing a national charging network that combines renewable energy, smart charging solutions, and leasing models. The primary target groups are taxis and intercity minibuses.

Fiji is also pursuing ambitious plans in the maritime sector. At COP26, the former Prime Minister announced the gradual conversion of government vessels to hybrid and hydrogen-based solutions. Under the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, USD 500 million is to be mobilized for this purpose. In addition, the Blue Accelerator Grant Scheme, supported by the UK and UNDP, was launched in 2023 to support private companies developing innovative marine technologies. Together with the United States, Fiji also announced the creation of a green shipping corridor encompassing alternative fuels, new technologies, infrastructure measures, and regulatory adjustments. Furthermore, Fiji joined the international Green Shipping Challenge.

In the energy sector, Samoa is increasingly focusing on renewable energy. While the electrification rate exceeds 98%, only 38% of electricity generation came from renewable sources in 2021. The target is to reach 70% by 2030. Key momentum comes from international programs, particularly the UNDP project “Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport” (CAP-IT). This initiative includes the introduction of an electric vehicle fleet, more than 80 solar charging stations, as well as solutions for electric boats and fishing fleets. 

As early as 2019, with EU support, a solar system was installed on the passenger ferry Lady Samoa III, saving approximately 135 tonnes of CO₂ annually and reducing operating costs. These measures demonstrate Samoa’s consistent efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve its climate targets.

Tonga’s economy was severely impacted in early 2022 by a volcanic eruption and the subsequent tsunami, particularly in the densely populated southern part of the island group. Thanks to international support and government measures, the country has shown resilience, with economic growth of 2.5–3% expected for 2024. Due to limited natural resources and a small domestic market, the government is actively promoting investment to diversify the economy, especially in the energy sector. By 2030, 70% of electricity generation is to come from renewable sources; however, the current share stands at only around 13%. Nationwide electrification has already been achieved, shifting the focus toward transforming energy supply systems.

Initial steps are also being taken in maritime mobility. The deployment of a potentially electric ferry across the Fanga’uta Lagoon on the main island of Tongatapu is being considered. Although no feasibility study has yet been conducted, the announcement signals a willingness to test alternative propulsion systems in maritime transport.

The Cook Islands are among the Pacific economies most heavily dependent on tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a GDP decline of nearly 6% in 2020 and a further drop of more than 25% in 2021. Since 2022, however, the economy has recovered rapidly. In 2023 and 2024, the Asian Development Bank reported growth rates of over 9%, making the Cook Islands one of the most dynamic economies in the region. Tourism remains the dominant sector, directly employing around one third of the workforce.

The government is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals: by 2030, electricity generation is to be fully converted to renewable energy. As early as 2021, renewables accounted for 35% of electricity production, while the electrification rate already stands at 100%. The focus is therefore clearly on replacing fossil fuels. In parallel, grid modernization and the expansion of energy storage capacity are planned to ensure supply security and grid stability.

Significant steps have also been taken in the maritime sector. In 2019, MTCC-Pacific organized a national workshop on energy efficiency in shipping at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, bringing together representatives from ministries, port authorities, shipping companies, civil society, and the police. The objective was to introduce lower-emission operational practices and technical tools to improve efficiency. At the same time, the use of electric vehicles in road transport is being promoted—both through government initiatives to electrify public fleets and through hotels and private providers offering electric cars and e-bikes for tourists.