FNU Solar Hub Targets Fiji's Renewable Energy Skills Gap

Fiji National University (FNU) has established a new solar training hub designed to tackle critical barriers hindering the widespread adoption of renewable energy in the country. The initiative directly addresses the dual challenges of a scarcity of local expertise and the absence of a clearly defined national strategy for renewable energy deployment.

According to Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, Fiji's ambitious target of reaching 100 percent renewable energy within the next five years hinges on developing a skilled local workforce and establishing concrete priorities. The newly inaugurated center, named the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C), is poised to play a pivotal role in this transition.

STAR-C will offer specialized training programs tailored for engineers, technicians, and policymakers. The curriculum will cover essential areas such as rooftop solar installations, the development of mini-grids for remote islands, and grid-connected solar projects. By building this capacity, Fiji aims to reduce its dependence on expensive diesel imports and foster a more sustainable energy future.

Beyond skill development, the center is expected to attract significant private investment into Fiji's renewable energy sector. The hub is projected to be fully operational by December, marking a substantial advancement in the nation's journey toward clean energy independence and sustainability.

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The biggest challenges are the lack of local skills and clear roadmaps. That is why we are establishing the STAR-C centre here in Fiji, to train engineers, technicians, and policymakers, and to help the country set structured national priorities for solar adoption.