TURTLE ISLAND, YASAWAS, FIJI—Turtle Island Resort in Fiji has recently completed a groundbreaking solar installation, making it one of the first ever clean energy resorts in the world. The installation renders the island resort nearly 100 percent self-sufficient using the sun’s clean energy. This project, which entailed a total of 968 solar panels being installed on the island, commenced in early 2012 and is now fully operational. Through its ecologically conscious operations, the resort runs on an average of 85 percent solar power, more than any other island resort in Fiji, and perhaps any luxury resort worldwide.
“At Turtle Island we have a long history of sustainability,” said Richard Evanson, owner of Turtle Island. “For over 30 years we’ve tried to impact the environment as little as possible. This solar project has long been a goal for us and we’re very proud to finally see it come to fruition for the benefit of our guests and for the environment.”
The new solar installation on Turtle Island produces one megawatt of power a day, enough to cover 100 percent of the power needs of the island on a sunny day. Even on rainy or cloudy days, the backup generator reduces the total solar power to about 85 percent, maintaining outstanding energy efficiency. The solar installation has also provided numerous jobs to surrounding villagers. Environmentally, the new solar project will save an estimated 85,000 liters of diesel fuel per year, or an estimated 220 tons of carbon emissions, significantly reducing the island’s carbon footprint, and setting a new standard for luxury resorts worldwide.
Turtle Island has long been a leader in sustainable tourism. Owner Richard Evanson purchased Turtle Island in 1972 and has worked to preserve its rich biodiversity, provide the Island with a 90 percent tree canopy, and protect the cultural integrity of the indigenous Fijian population occupying the surrounding islands. Through an intensive reforestation program over the past three decades, Evanson has planted some 900,000 trees on the island, 100,000 of which are mahogany. This socially conscious effort has promoted ecological diversity, re-established indigenous forests, prevented soil erosion, created windbreaks, and added to the natural beauty on the island. Other projects promoting sustainability include a four-acre natural hydroponic garden, as well as extensive composting and recycling.
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