Biofuels for decarbonizing land transport sector: A case study on people's perspective and policy in Fiji

Transportation is a key factor for economic growth and market stabilization. The reliance on Fiji's transportation sector on fossil fuels impacts the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions. Fiji has been leading the Pacific region in adopting strategies to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050. Fiji aims to adopt alternative fuel technologies along with other decarbonization pathways, yet very little is known about the public perception of sustainable alternative fuel options and technologies. This study examines Fiji's readiness for biofuels in its transportation sector in two ways. Firstly, through survey questionnaires the public perception of the utilization of biofuels in Fiji is examined in terms of the cost and readiness of the public to adopt newer technologies/fuels such as biofuels, the limitations and the economic growth implications. A qualitative policy analysis approach via document analysis is then used to analyse policies and legislations that govern Fiji's transportation sector. The results show that respondents with higher incomes perceive fewer benefits of biofuels compared to higher risks, while those with lower incomes are more supportive of biofuels adoption. In addition, the perception of individuals from all income groups changed positively when the benefits of biofuels were explained. The policy mapping exercise reveals Fiji's way forward to progress into the adoption of renewable energy. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd