Prefeasibility study for selected solar sites, including E&S assessment and risk mitigation

EOI 01/2026 for Pre-Feasibility Study for Ground Mounted Solar PLANT with Battery Energy Storage System at TAVAKUBU in LAUTOKA, NASOLO in BA and YAQARA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS BASED SELECTION (CQS)

The Republic of Fiji, acting through Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), has received financing from the World Bank toward the costs of the Fiji Energy Transformation Project Preparation (P515153), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.

The consulting services ("the Services") comprise a pre-feasibility study for utility-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with battery energy storage systems (BESS) at Tavakubu in Lautoka, Nasolo in Ba, and Yaqara. The assignment will assess site suitability, solar resources, grid readiness, technical configuration, economic viability, environmental and social risks, climate and disaster risks, and project implementation requirements. Following the study, the Technical Advisor will support EFL in preparing technical specifications for procurement of independent power producer arrangements.

The Services will cover:

Phase 1 site screening and project definition for all three sites, including demand growth and grid-readiness review, solar-resource and energy-yield assessment, indicative site layouts and single-line diagrams, access, topography, hydrology, climate and disaster risks, environmental and social red-flag screening, preliminary cost estimates, development timeframes, multicriteria ranking and recommendations.

Phase 2 project preparation for up to two sites selected by EFL, including cadastral, topographic and geotechnical investigations; solar-resource and shading assessment; PV and BESS configuration; energy-yield estimates; static and dynamic grid-impact studies; conceptual interconnection design; cost, revenue and financial sensitivity analysis; environmental and social assessment and management planning; approvals and permitting roadmap; and project development schedules.

Phase 3 technical support to IPP selection, including technical inputs for RFQ and RFP documents, prequalification and eligibility requirements, technical compliance and responsiveness criteria, and bid-evaluation criteria.

Preparation of an inception report, project definition report, separate pre-feasibility reports for selected sites, environmental and social outputs, presentations, model and data files, and procurement technical specifications.

Implementation period: the assignment is expected to be completed within six (6) months from contract execution and issue of the commencement notice.

Terms of Reference: The detailed Terms of Reference are attached to this REOI as Appendix 1 and may also be made available through EFL’s procurement portals.

Energy Fiji Limited now invites eligible consulting firms ("Consultants") to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, latest applicable edition, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

EOI Evaluation Criteria

Form and content of the Expression of Interest

Expressions of interest should not exceed 10 pages, excluding annexes, and should contain only the information necessary to assess the criteria set out above. Consultants are not required to submit technical proposals, methodologies, work plans, staffing schedules, CVs of experts, or financial proposals at this stage. In accordance with the Regulations, the qualifications and experience of Key Experts do not form part of this evaluation, and any such material submitted will not be evaluated.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but shall indicate clearly whether the association takes the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all members shall be jointly and severally liable, and the lead member shall be identified.

The firm assessed as best qualified against the above criteria will be invited to submit a technical and financial proposal and to negotiate a contract in accordance with the applicable Procurement Regulations.

Submission
Further information can be obtained by emailing to tenders@efl.com.fj during office hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Fiji Time), Monday to Friday clear 3 days from the closing date of this EOI.

Expressions of interest must be uploaded to the EFL e-Tender Portal (TenderLink) at https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window), by registering your company, by 4:00 PM (1600 hrs) Fiji Time on Wednesday 30th September 2026.

Tender documents may be viewed and downloaded from www.efl.com.fj(opens in new window) or https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window).

Submissions by email or facsimile will not be accepted and will be deemed null and void. Hard copy submissions to the tender box at EFL Head Office, Suva, will not be accepted.

Appendix 1 – Terms of Reference

ENERGY FIJI LIMITED

Terms of reference

Pre-Feasibility Study for Ground Mounted Solar PLANT with Battery Energy Storage System at TAVAKUBU in LAUTOKA, NASOLO in BA and YAQARA

1. Definitions

RFP                           Request for Proposals

TOR                           Terms of reference for the works

Tenderer                The company or consortia that is providing a submission in response to this RFP document

EFL                            Energy Fiji Limited, 2 Marlow Street, Suva, Fiji

Works                      The Project, Assignment

PV                              Photo Voltaic

CBA                           Cost Benefit Analysis

BESS                 Battery Energy Storage system

WB                             World Bank

ESS                            Environment & Social Standards

AACEI                       Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International

IFC                             International Finance Corporation

Table of contents

1                                Definitions. 2

2                                Introduction and Background.. 5

2.1     About Energy Fiji Limited. 5

2.2     Project Background and Overview. 5

2.3     Objective of this Assignment 6

3                                Scope of Work.. 6

3.1     Phase 1: Site Screening and Project Definition. 6

3.2     Phase 2: Project Preparation. 7

3.3     Phase 3: Procurement Specifications Support 8

4                                Deliverables. 8

4.1     Inception Report 9

4.2     Project Definition Report 9

4.3     Pre-Feasibility Report, including Environmental and Social Outputs. 9

4.4     Procurement Technical Specifications. 9

5                                Supervision and Reporting.. 9

6                                Expertise and Qualification.. 9

6.1     Similar Project Experience. 9

6.2     Staff Qualification and Experience. 10

6.3     Other Qualification Areas. 11

6.3.1       Minimum Team-Level Qualifications. 11

6.3.2       FS-Critical Competencies. 11

6.3.3       Submission Requirements. 12

7                                Payment Schedules and Terms. 12

8                                Inputs and Facilities Provided by EFL. 12

Annexure A:         Site LocationS. 13

1. Introduction and Background
   1. About Energy Fiji Limited

Energy Fiji Limited (“EFL”) is a public company limited by shares that was established under the Companies Act (2015), Laws of Fiji. It is supervised by a Board of Directors comprising a Chairman and representatives of its shareholders. Its major shareholders include the Fijian Government and Sevens Pacific Pte. Limited.

The Executive Management team of EFL consists of the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, General Manager Human Resources, General Manager Generation, General Manager Network, General Manager Customer Services, General Manager System Planning and Control, General Manager Special Projects and Chief Information Officer.

EFL is primarily responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni in Fiji. It owns over twenty (20) power stations and twenty (20) substations and switching stations on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. EFL owns, operates and maintains a network of 147km of 132kV transmission lines, 576km of 33kV lines and over 11,200km of 11kV and 415V distribution lines, as at 31st December 2025. It also has over 227,000 customer accounts as at 31st December 2025, made up of domestic, institutional, commercial and industrial customers.

EFL has embarked upon an ambitious program of development in order to fulfil its strategic objectives. These include development of new generating and power system projects as well as improving reliability and capacity-building for future load growth. EFL plans to increase the generation capacity of Fiji in order to meet continuing demand growth and intends that this additional capacity will be provided by renewable or at least non-polluting resources. 

1. 1. Project Background and Overview

Fiji utilizes a diverse array of energy sources, including hydro, diesel, wood, and petroleum products, to fulfill its energy needs. EFL is the primary provider of grid-based power to approximately 90% of the population on the main islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. EFL aims to supply at least 90% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2035. Having a dependable and high-quality supply of electricity is crucial for driving economic growth. Lack of access to electricity not only diminishes the quality of life but also deprives people from essential services like healthcare, agriculture, education etc.

EFL is undertaking the development of a utility-scale ground-mounted solar PV power at the identified sites in Viti Levu. This study aims to delve into the key components of a pre-feasibility study for ground mounted solar PV project with BESS at these sites, focusing on technical and economic analyses. Additionally, it will assess other essential considerations such as environmental, and social aspects in alignment with the IFC Performance Standards, emphasizing their importance for the success and long-term sustainability of the project. Upon completion of the pre-feasibility study, the Technical Advisor is required to assist in preparation of procurement documentation by preparing technical specifications that will be used by EFL for preparing the procurement documentation to select an independent power producer (IPP). The project may subsequently be prepared to be developed through public-private partnership.

This project supports Fiji’s National Development Plan target of achieving 100% grid-connected renewable electricity generation by 2035 and EFL’s corporate goal of sourcing more than 90% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035. The installation will enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

1. 1. Objective of this Assignment

The objective of this solar feasibility study is to determine the practicality and economic viability of installing solar photovoltaic system with battery energy storage system at the proposed sites by evaluating solar resources, technical requirements, financial performance, environmental benefits, and potential risks, and to provide recommendations for project implementation.

1. Scope of Work

EFL has identified  three (3) sites which they intend to develop for solar PV power plant with BESS. Annexure A  shows these  three sites, and these are legally described as follows:

EFL would like to procure the services of a Technical Advisor which will be the firm with a qualified team of multi-disciplinary experts comprising international and national consultants for the provision of the scope of work enumerated below. The Technical Advisor will work closely with and directly support EFL for the Project.

The Technical Advisor shall carry out the work as per the scope mentioned in this section. For carrying out this project, the Technical Advisor shall draw a detailed action plan which need to be presented during the project inception meeting to be held with EFL. 

The feasibility shall be completed in Six (6) months from the execution of Contract and issue of commencement notice.

The scope of work will be follows as a minimum, but not limited to:

1. 1. Phase 1: Site Screening and Project Definition

The Technical Advisor shall conduct initial site assessment to screen the gross area of the three sites based on secondary data available, information collected from stakeholders, data analysis (as required for GIS-based assessment of the sites using satellite imagery available):

1. Demand forecast review for solar energy needs, and grid readiness assessment (including grid availability, access to transmission infrastructure, possible augmentation needs);

1. Site suitability analysis covering but not limited to:

1. Solar energy resource assessment including hourly, monthly and annual energy yield estimation,
2. Indicative site layouts and concept single line diagram
3. Access road availability
4. Topographical, geographical, and hydrological features;
5. Disaster risk including earthquake, flood and cyclone and climate change risk assessment;

1. Recommendation on the possibility of including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) covering capacity/size (to meet the project needs requirements only, for the project to operate as a round-the-clock dispatchable unit), design, technology and location, and its impact to the need of grid connection capacity.

1. Preliminary analysis of potential social and environmental safeguards risks, in line with National regulations and the IFC Performance Standards and climate change risk vulnerability assessment (red flag report) and prepare a preliminary stakeholder map and key considerations.

1. Preparation of preliminary cost estimates (AACEI Level 5 equivalent, capturing (Capex) and operating expenses (Opex)) for respective solar PV plant and accompanying transmission infrastructure including the need for control and communication infrastructure upgrades, etc..

1. Prepare a shortlist of candidate sites based on Phase 1 outcomes, summarizing key site conditions, technical, environmental, and social risks and impacts, and provide recommendation on key next steps for further development, including gaps of project preparation.

1. Indicative development timeframe for each site, based on accessibility, scale of development and grid readiness, and other key considerations affecting development timeframe.

1. Site ranking for the identified three project sites using a multi-criterion assessment framework factoring technical, environmental, and social safeguard considerations, and indicative development timeframe, and provide recommendations for further development.

1. 1. Phase 2: Project Preparation

Based on the results of Phase 1, EFL will select sites for further development. If there are no sites are deemed viable, the consultancy assignment will not continue.

For the selected sites, the Technical Advisor shall prepare a comprehensive feasibility study covering the ground mounted solar plant, BESS, transmission interconnection and transmission line as outlined above. It will consist among others engineering, financial, social and environmental due-diligence adhering to the World Banks ESS Standards and analysis of proposed site and develop an optimal solution.

The feasibility study report should cover all requirements identified by EFL and mentioned in any relevant laws and regulations as applicable to energy projects in Fiji, and should include the following:

1. A detailed report on project site and boundary area and approximated site plan, design and layout of the ground mounted solar facility. The report will also cover the right of way analysis for various civil works, transmission lines, among other technical aspects.
2. Study and survey of water resource availability, geology, meteorology, earthquake and seismic risks, hydrology, and flood risks. Site surveys shall include cadastral and topographic surveys (for contours levels of 2metres or less), and Auto-CAD version of site surveys shall be shared with the deliverables.
3. Conduct geotechnical investigations based on AS 1726, with one borehole per hectare for at least a depth of 5 metres for field investigations, and laboratory testing based on AS 1289.
4. Conduct solar resource assessment (including irradiation studies) using satellite and ground-measured solar resource assessment.
5. Options for placement and arrangement of solar panels and other equipment configuration, including inverters, mounting platforms, transformers etc. and other electrical, electromechanical, auxiliary and protection, control, and monitoring systems that are part of a ground mounted solar PV system.
6. Shading analysis including near and far shading.
7. Estimate energy yields. The energy yield should include an assessment of the inter-annual variation and yield confidence levels, and electrical losses from the influence of temperature variances on the efficiency of the plant, and include consideration of site-specific factors, including soiling or rain, and the cleaning regime.
8. Grid impact and readiness study: conduct static and dynamic grid impact study, and discuss the need for any augmentation needed to accommodate for plant variability, and related costs and curtailment rate.
9. Based on the preliminary study of BESS use in Phase I and the discussion with EFL, the Technical Advisor will study the use of BESS system based on the specifications of the solar RE and the grid impact assessment. The study will cover the capacity, design, location, other technical specifications of the BESS system.
10. Single line diagram including conceptual interconnection design.
11. The cost estimates for development, construction (civil works, right of way) and operations of the solar project, BESS (if applicable) and predicted revenue, based on the available resource data, as well as indicative quotes or comparison with similar projects.
12. Input technical assumptions for the financial model and run sensitivity studies to identify range of feed-in tariff and acceptable rate of returns.
13. Conduct social and environmental safeguard assessment in line with National regulations and the IFC Performance Standards, including land acquisition and livelihood impacts, biodiversity and habitat risks, indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural heritage, community health and safety, and stakeholder engagement. Develop an environmental and social assessment and management plan, clear roadmap of required approvals, permits, and mitigation measures to ensure compliance and sustainability. The cost of the implementation of the environmental and social assessment and management plan should be included.
14. Develop project development schedule for each selected site based on the findings of the feasibility study and assessments.
15. Provide inputs and work with others who may be appointed by the Client (EFL) to prepare the grid augmentation aspects of the works.

1. 1. Phase 3: Technical Support to IPP Selection

Contingent on EFL’s decision, the Technical Advisor will assist EFL for the implementation of the selection of the IPP by providing inputs on technical aspects of the Pre-qualification, and Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Bid (RFB) processes.

The detailed inputs would include the following:

1. All equipment specifications
2. Tentative Design and Construction details
3. Installation procedures/recommendations for project developers
4. Commissioning tests and processes of the project, including but not limited to formats of certificates
5. Performance Parameters, Guarantees and Schedules
6. Commercial performance guarantees

Other Tasks and Responsibilities:

In addition to the above scope of work, the Technical Advisor shall liaise and cooperate, as necessary and throughout the assignment, with other consultants engaged by EFL for the study. All deliverables and key outputs will be developed in English and submitted in soft copies to EFL. Key members of the consulting firm/(s) shall have the ability to conduct meetings and discussions in English.

The Technical Advisor shall prepare highlights and/or minutes of all relevant major meetings and other

consultations.

The Client would retain the right to: a) decide the number of projects that would proceed from phase 1 to phase 2 (project preparation) and b) implement or not Phase 3 activities.

1. Deliverables

The Technical Advisor shall provide the following deliverables:

• 1. Inception Report
• Finalized workplan and schedule (milestones, review meetings), data request list, study methodology outline (including software/tools and versions), and stakeholder engagement plan(as applicable).
• Finalized project implementation schedule (Gantt chart) covering Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities, key milestones, dependencies, review points, and required inputs from EFL.
• Format: PDF + editable (Word/Excel).
• Submission: within 1 week of commencement

• 1. Project Definition Report
• Covers all work under Sub-Clause 3.1 (Phase 1: Site Screening and Project Definition)
• Where software/tools are used (e.g., solar resource assessment), include generated outputs.
• Format: PDF + editable; Excel calculation files; GIS package (site boundary, constraints, layout files).
• Submission: within 8 weeks of commencement, with key findings presentation to EFL

• 1. Pre-Feasibility Report, including Environmental and Social Outputs
• Covers all work under Sub-Clause 3.2 (Phase 2: Project Preparation)
• Environmental and Social Assessment and Management Plans – ESIA and ESMP
• Models and data: study case files (e.g., PSS®E/DIgSILENT/ETAP—version stated), network and load/generation data, contingencies list, protection/limits inputs, and scenario files (as applicable and available).
• Format: PDF + editable report; native model files in agreed tool; data dictionary.
• Submission: within 18 weeks of commencement, to be submitted as separate reports for each site, with in-person presentation to EFL

• 1. Procurement Technical Specifications (Phase 3: Technical Support to IPP Selection)
• Include all technical sections derived from Sub-Clause 3.1and 3.2 for incorporation into the procurement/bidding documents to be compiled/prepared by others
• Format: PDF + editable (Word/Excel).
• Submission: within 24 weeks of commencement. To be submitted as separate package for each site.

1. Supervision and Reporting

The Project Owner is the Chief Executive Officer - EFL. The Technical Advisor will report to and coordinate with General Manager Special Projects of EFL for various project related components and delivery.

1. Expertise and Qualification

The Bidders themselves or with their Joint Venture partners should have previous experience and expertise in Review and Vetting, and /or feasibility stage Design & Engineering of at least seven solar PV power plant projects with BESS in last 7 years.

1. 1. Similar Project Experience
2. The Bidder shall demonstrate experience as a Technical Advisor / Owner’s Engineer / Consultant in the feasibility or pre-feasibility stage of at least seven solar PV power plant projects incorporating BESS, with a total cumulative PV capacity of not less than 250MW, completed or substantially completed within the last seven years from date of closing of this tender, and currently in operation.
3. The relevant FS-stage experience shall demonstrate technical scope and complexity comparable to the activities described in Scope of Work.
4. At least one referenced project shall demonstrate experience in a Pacific island country or a similar island environment, highlighting familiarity with island-grid operation, logistics constraints, and climate-related risks.

1. 1. Staff Qualification and Experience

The Bidder must have as a minimum, qualified and experienced key staff in the following areas:

• Project Management & Coordination

1. Project Manager with demonstrated experience in managing solar PV projects with integrated BESS, both regionally and internationally
2. Demonstrated experience of the Project Manager and key staff in handling FIDIC contract conditions, particularly for EPC tender preparation and evaluation.
3. Strong leadership capability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineers, specialists and relevant stakeholders (such as government agencies and utilities).
4. Expertise in project risk management, scheduling and tracking (e.g., Primavera P6 / MS Project), and overall project governance.

• Technical Experts

1. Solar Resource & Energy Yield Analysis Expert, proficient in PVsyst or equivalent tools, with experience in developing energy yield assessments for large-scale solar PV projects.
2. BESS Sizing & Techno-Economic Optimization Specialist, experienced in modelling tools such as HOMER, REopt, or equivalent.
3. Electrical Engineers with demonstrated experience in solar PV and BESS system design at feasibility and conceptual design levels.
4. Power System Study Engineer, experienced in load flow, short-circuit, stability analysis, and grid integration studies.
5. Power System Protection & Control Engineer, familiar with protection philosophy, relay coordination, and integration with BESS control system.
6. Communications & SCADA/Control System Engineer, experienced in utility-scale PV/BESS monitoring, control, and communications architectures.
7. High Voltage Substation & Transmission Conceptual Design Engineer, capable of developing FS-level substation, switching station, and transmission line concepts.
8. Power Station Conceptual Design Engineer, experienced in preliminary plant layout, electrical balance of plant, and integration of PV+BESS systems.
9. Civil/Structural Engineer experienced in site assessment and conceptual civil design for PV and BESS facilities.
10. Geology & Geotechnical Engineer to perform desktop geotechnical assessment and site feasibility analysis.

• Financial & Regulatory Experts

1. Financial Modelling & Economic Analysis Expert with experience in renewable energy and BESS project.
2. Regulatory & Permitting Specialist with understanding of environmental permitting requirements and international BESS safety standards.

• Environmental & Social Specialists

1. Environmental & Social Safeguard Expert(s), experienced in IFC Performance Standards and relevant national environmental and social regulations.
2. Land & Site Assessment Specialist with capability to assess land suitability, hydrology, flood risk, and land use constraints for large-scale solar PV projects.

All identified Key Staff and their Curriculum Vitae (CV) should be included in the bid submission.

1. 1. 1. Minimum Team-Level Qualifications
2. Degree-qualified engineers in relevant disciplines, with FS/conceptual design experience for large-scale PV + BESS.
3. Experience thresholds (Key Experts):

• 15 years or more of experience for the Team Leader / Project Manager.
• 8 – 10 years or more of experience for Discipline Leads / Key Specialists.
• 3 – 5 years or more of experience for Supporting staff working under the supervision of Key Experts.

1. Standards and codes: Working knowledge of Australian/New Zealand standards, IEC for PV/BESS, IEEE for grid interconnection (as applicable), and applicable Fijian standards, grid codes and environmental requirements.
2. Context familiarity (advantageous): Prior individual experience of Key Experts in Fiji/Oceania (contractors, supply chains, logistics) and knowledge of Fiji’s regulatory and permitting processes.
3. Language: Fluency in English (verbal and written).
   1. 1. FS-Critical Competencies

1. Feasibility-level technical review & conceptual design, including plant layout concepts and integration of PV, BESS and grid interconnection.
2. Energy yield & sizing methods appropriate to FS stage, and ability to justify key assumptions and loss factors.
3. Power system study scoping suitable for FS stage (e.g., load flow / short-circuit and stability screening to inform interconnection feasibility and grid code compliance pathways).
4. HSE for PV + BESS at concept stage, including hazard identification (e.g., thermal runaway/fire) and alignment with relevant codes and local authority requirements.
   1. 1. Submission Requirements

1. Project organization chart with man-month allocations by phase and role.
2. List of Key Experts with CVs indicating roles, years of experience, representative assignments, and time commitment to this project.
3. CVs of Team Leader and Project Manager and other key management personnel.
4. CVs of supporting personnel with reporting lines to Key Experts.
5. Resourcing plan with expected man-days per workstream
6. Quality Management System, with brief description of document control, internal review/verification, and risk management.
7. Access to supplementary local expertise and partnerships, including local consulting firms or subcontractors with knowledge of Fijian land regulations, permitting processes, and other local requirements.

1. Payment Schedules and Terms

The Consultant will be expected to provide the main deliverables in accordance with the following timetable.

The Technical Advisor should quote a lump sum value inclusive of all expenses for delivering the services under the Terms of Reference. In addition, the Technical Advisor is required to provide phase wise cost breakup of the lump sum value of the contract.

Payments shall be made upon verification and formal acceptance of deliverables linked to defined project milestones. No advance payment will be made. All pricing shall be inclusive of applicable taxes.

For offshore services, payments will be made net-off for applicable Withholding Tax under Fiji's Income Tax Act. Bidders must clearly indicate the WHT amount applicable in their price schedules.

1. Inputs and Facilities Provided by EFL

EFL will provide the following:

• Existing EFL system data;
• Access to the sites and relevant data and information

Annexure A:       Site LocationS

Figure 1: Site Boundary Details, Nasolo, Ba

Figure 2: Site Boundary Details – Tavakubu, Lautoka

Figure 3: Site Layout Details – Yaqara, Tavua

Figure 4: Site Layout Details – Yaqara, Tavua