A NEW solar electric vehicle charging station has been commissioned at the USP campus in Laucala Bay.
The station funded by the French government under the French Fund for Economic, Social and Cultural Co-operation in the Pacific aims to support development projects impacting the South Pacific.
Speaking at the launch, French Ambassador Gilles Montagnier said such projects would develop and promote alternative sources of energy and contribute towards mitigating the effects of climate change.
"Climate change is for sure one of the main threats to this region and will affect in the coming years most of the Pacific Island States and territories," Mr Montagnier said.
He said the rising cost of fuel and its impact on Pacific Island Countries showed the need to promote alternative, sustainable and affordable sources of energy.
Mr Montagnier said the project aimed to replace kerosene or benzene light with solar light and make them available to communities in Fiji through the micro-credit fund.
USP vice-chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra said the project would boost research for the students.