<strong>Wind resource assessment and energy modelling of smaller outer islands in Fiji</strong>

This study assesses and models the wind resources and energy potential of five smaller outer islands in Fiji that are not connected to the central electricity grid. Long-term wind data spanning approximately 9 – 11 years were analyzed using the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP). High-resolution wind resource maps were generated and evaluated for each island site. Results indicated that Yasawa and Koro Islands have a higher wind potential, with mean wind speeds of 7.01 m/s and 6.47 m/s and corresponding wind power densities (WPD) of 335 W/m² and 339 W/m², respectively, indicating suitability for utility-scale wind power applications. The islands of Gau, Ovalau, and Taveuni exhibit moderate wind speeds ranging from 4.26 m/s to 4.82 m/s, indicating potential for standalone or hybrid renewable energy systems. The modelled wind farms have installed capacities of 0.8 MW to 10 MW, yielding annual energy productions (AEP) of 4.23 GWh/year to 22.97 GWh/year. These AEPs are sufficient to meet the energy demand of the islands. The analysis highlights the spatial mismatch between island-wide grid-average wind resources and localized turbine micro-siting conditions, emphasizing the importance of site-specific assessment in complex island terrain. These findings support wind energy integration into Fiji’s renewable energy transition in outer islands without grid-connected electricity, align with Fiji’s UNFCCC Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, and support Sustainable Development Goals SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).