100% Renewable Energy Transition in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Abstract

There is growing consensus around the world for the need to transition to a more sustainable society. This is transition is currently being led by making the energy sector more sustainable by shifting to renewable energy sources from fossil fuel sources at a steady pace. However, there seems to be increasing recognition that the steady pace may not be fast enough. Therefore, there are many cities, countries, organizations that are coming out in support of a 100% renewable energy transition. There is sufficient attention given to this the endeavour of transitioning in developed nations and major developing nations. However, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have historically lagged behind in proceeding with this transition even though they are arguably going to be the most severely affected by the inaction. Majority of SIDS energy comes from imported oil products. As we speak there are islands disappearing because of sea level rise. That said islands present an interesting geographical scope to analyse for an energy transition because of their unique challenges. These challenges stem from their isolated location and small size; which leads to high energy prices, lack of economy of scale and this is worsened by their potential vulnerability to environmental catastrophes. In recent years, however, there has been more attention given to SIDS and their issues. This is marked by Fiji being the President of COP23, and the COP23 paying special attention to SIDS. Following this recent surge in attention, many islands have set ambitious targets to pursue for the transition yet their execution has been bleak. It is astonishing that even though islands have the most renewable energy potential they have made limited progress, literature very widely states that the lack of economy of scale, technical knowledge and expertise, political will and lack of human capacity are leading causes and all of this leads to a larger risk perception leading to lack of investments. However the literature on islands transitioning is concentrated on either on a combination of technological, economical or societal issues and is geographically concentrated on the Pacific and Mediterranean islands.