Launched at the 2014 Climate Summit, the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative supports the development of a global framework for energy transition on islands. By 2020, it aims to:

- Ensure all participating islands develop renewable energy roadmaps;
- Mobilise USD 500 million;
- Deploy 120 MW of renewable energy capacity.

The Initiative facilitates coordinated support for islands to transform their predominantly fossil-based power systems to renewable energy through partnerships with public, private, intergovernmental, and non-governmental stakeholder organisations. Island partners gain access to:

- Policy and regulatory advisory services;
- Technical expertise in planning, identifying, structuring and executing projects;
- Financing for capacity building, policy and regulatory design, early-stage transactions, and project finance;
- A network to share information, knowledge and practices.

IRENA coordinates the initiative and facilitates several activities that bring islands and partners together to support all operational steps in the energy transition, from resource assessments and planning to project development support. This enables the smart deployment of renewables in the power, heating, cooling and transportation sectors and allows the sharing of knowledge regarding common challenges and best practices.