Abstract 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 analysed using the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program. 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 and 6.47 m s−1 and corresponding wind power densities of 335 and 339 W m−², respectively, indicating suitability for utility-scale wind power applications. The islands of Gau, Ovalau and Taveuni exhibit moderate wind speeds ranging from 4.26 to 4.82 m s−1, indicating potential for stand-alone or hybrid renewable energy systems. The modelled wind farms have installed capacities of 0.8–10 MW, yielding annual energy productions (AEPs) of 4.23–22.97 GWh yr−1. 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 targets and support sustainable development goals (SDGs) SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action).
Kumar et al. (Wed,) studied this question.