Energy
when they have surplus, which they should, given the massive
solar farm that they’re putting in with help from KOICA. So
that’s just a start and basically, these systems can be rolled
out anywhere and we look forward to doing it,” Reddaway
said.
The EV charger was launched by UNDP’s Deputy Resident
Representative, Yemesrach Workie, who described the project
as “transformative” and one that could be replicated in any
country across the Pacific.
“We envisage that this project is going to be very catalytic
for a strong e-mobility uptake in Fiji,” she said.
“It is setting the scene for us and has a positive spill overeffect, we believe, in the maritime transport sector as well,
not only in land transport. We hope that in the very near
future, these charging systems we see here will be part of the
makeup of port site charging infrastructure, helping powerelectric boats around Fiji. So, we really have huge ambition
for this project to move forward,” Workie added.
EVs are expected to soon become serious contenders tofossil fuel-based vehicles, with the availability now of charging facilities complementing relevant government subsidies
such as zero rate VAT and duty free for all EV imports, plus

F$10,000 cash rebate per electric vehicle purchased by local
businesses and individuals.
A prevailing high cost of fossil fuels may also force many toswitch.
“I charge EVs all the time and still get F$200 monthly bill.
Here, you spend $200 a week on fuel alone,” said Reddaway.
EVs come with different battery sizes but a fully charged
battery, according to Reddaway, is enough to drive for up to150km.
“In reality, these chargers are not actually for daily use.
They’re for when you’ve done 150km or 120km and you’re
coming in to charge. You get 6km every two minutes, sofull charge will depend on the battery size. So basically thetakeaway is, in this car, if you drive to Nadi, you stopped in
Sigatoka and charge for 25 minutes, it will get you to Nadi andwill cost you $12,” Reddaway said.
Switch Network plans to have five chargers installed on Viti
Levu by December, and to become an EV import dealer andwork with tourism companies to help them switch to EV-basedfleet.
editor@islandsbusiness.com

DECARBONISING TRANSPORTHYDROGEN FUELLED VEHICLES ARE NEXTBy Samantha Magick
While electric vehicles are only just entering Pacific Island
markets, Tokyo is working towards an ambitious plan thatwould see a decarbonised society with net zero CO2 emissions
by 2050. Increasing the number of vehicles powered throughgreen hydrogen energy is key to its success.
Tokyo’s strategy is a response to climate change and theneed to stablise energy supplies. If it remains on deadline, itwill see the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) halve its
2020 level of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
There are 93 hydrogen fuel cell buses already operatingin the city. They look like conventional buses apart from thespecial branding they bear. However, these buses must be
filled at specific fuel stations by trained operators. And whilehydrogen itself is light, sophisticated machinery makes thesebuses two tonnes heavier than conventional ones, and manytimes more expensive to build.
TMG’s transport bureau, Toei, is leasing the hydrogen fuelcell buses, which are being built by Toyota. As hydrogenenergy is an emerging industry, Japan’s national government isheavily subsidising the cost of developing the related technology and applications, with TMG also providing top-up subsidies
to companies. It has budgeted ¥17.17 billion (US$115 million)
for the next four years for fuelling stations subsidies alone.
Beyond buses, TMG wants to see hydrogen-powered cars,trucks, ships and aircraft by 2050, and its use in homes, commercial and industrial settings.
Islands Business, October 2022 15