SUVA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has set an ambitious goal of generating 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, but new data suggested the island nation has remained heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
Figures from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics showed that in 2023, just 35 percent of the country's electricity came from renewable sources.
The majority of Fiji's power supply is still derived from imported diesel and petrol fuels that not only burden the economy but also expose the country to volatile global energy prices, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation news website reported on Monday.
The transport sector mirrors these challenges.
Between 2022 and 2024, electric vehicle adoption in Fiji rose slightly from 0.7 to 1.1 percent of new registrations, while hybrid cars increased from 1.7 to 3.5 percent.
Despite rising overall car imports, "green" vehicles remain a tiny fraction of the national fleet.
Fiji's 2030 renewable energy target is a key component of its Climate Change Act, which outlines commitments to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience against extreme weather.
As a low-lying Pacific nation, Fiji is acutely vulnerable to sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, and other climate shocks that already threaten lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
Experts say the latest data underlines the need for rapid investment in renewable infrastructure and low-emission transport systems.
Without faster progress, Fiji risks falling short of its clean energy commitments at a time when the country is also positioning itself as a global advocate for stronger climate action. ■