Session 1.3: Energy Transition in Small Island Development States and Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

The 17 Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS) are among the smallest and most remote countries in the world. Many PSIDS have set ambitious targets for renewable energy uptake in the electricity sector. This presentation draws on over 50 case studies for solar-battery hybrid developments funded by the Asian Development Bank in the Cook Islands, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Tuvalu, which are each set to achieve greater than 70% of their electricity from renewable energy this decade.
We will present the main features of these projects, their objectives, and key recommendations drawn from this experience, which include: information and guidance for decision makers on technical aspects of robust system design and implementation; impacts of development in safety, standards, and technology;, and opportunities within procurement to provide more flexible evaluation of bidders, stronger local support, and plan and manage the risks associated with co-ordinating multiple works packages.

FSM is highly exposed to the ravages of Climate Change, including sea level rises, increased ocean acidification, more frequent droughts, flooding, and Hurricanes; The FSM has developed policies that will help to mitigate Climate Change by significantly reducing the importation and the burning of Fossil Fuels, improving the efficiency of Energy utilisation, Increasing the adoption of renewable energy both into the state utility grids and in remote island locations, and ensure the implementation of the FSM Energy Master Plan. An important objective of the Master Plan is to provide 24/7 reliable and sustainable electricity to all households and communities. By demonstrating FSM’s strong stance on Climate Change, it has highlighted the potential peril Pacific Ocean Nations will experience by the end of this century if global temperature rises are not constrained to less than 1.5oC by 2050. FSM faces a significant challenge of delivering electricity to people living on outer islands. At present, there is significant social and economic divide: people living on the four main islands enjoy almost universal access to the main electricity grids. By contrast, people on outer islands and in outlying communities have none. FSM is witnessing the effects of man-made Climate Change and bearing the financial impacts of these changes.