The training of qualified people in the energy sector in Fiji and the region is affected by the rapid turnover of trained personnel, the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission says.
Migration, better resources and packages in other areas have lured experts from the region.
SOPAC project adviser Rupeni Mario said the region was small on a global perspective.
"Resources we can find in the region and, particularly for us here in Fiji, include ocean thermal energy. There have been studies done in Fiji and there is a potential for wave energy here," he said.
"The Department of Energy looked at some sites in Kadavu using some of our technology at SOPAC which confirm earlier studies that have been done."
Mr Mario said an aspect that needed to be looked at seriously was expertise in renewable energy.
"Most of the subjects being offered at USP and most probably here in FIT are very specific. You either talk about the engineering component only or the technological component only. You have management that is very general in a lot of programs.
"We need to educate them on how to use the technology or the electricity that is supplied."
Mr Mario said experience in the region was that island states looked for funding outside.
"You secure the funding for the project and everyone's happy. It works but then you forget about the maintenance component. There is a mindset in a lot of people that if you get energy from solar or from wind it is free because it is available naturally. They tend to question why do they have to pay a monthly fee."