Fiji Rejects Australian Waste-to-Energy Proposal Citing Scale and Health Risks
The Fijian government turned down a proposal to import and burn non-recyclable rubbish from Australia, citing health, environmental and tourism risks.
themandarin.com.auFiji rejected a proposal to import and burn up to 900,000 tonnes of waste annually for electricity generation. The Fijian government cited the project’s scale, imported waste, hazardous ash management, and public health risks as reasons for the decision. It also voiced concerns about effects on tourism and the environment.
The plan was put forward in June 2026 by Australian billionaire Ian Malouf and Rob Cromb. The Australia-based duo said the project could meet 40 per cent of Fiji’s electricity needs and reduce reliance on diesel. They proposed shipping up to 900,000 tonnes of non-recyclable rubbish each year to a site near the tourist destination of Nadi.
Malouf built his fortune in rubbish disposal through Dial a Dump. The company behind the proposal, Next Generation Holding (TNG), released an environmental impact statement stating the project would likely increase Fiji’s emissions by up to 25 per cent.
” Traditional landowner Inoke Tora stated: “There are hundreds of people living in villages in this place, and they fish each day, eat fresh crabs.
Opponents labelled the proposal “waste imperialism” and noted that it would breach a 1998 convention signed by Australia prohibiting shipment of hazardous waste to any Pacific island country.
