The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses initiative (LHI) is a framework for action to support SIDS in the transformation from predominantly fossil fuel dependence to a renewables-based and resilient energy system. The initiative addresses all elements of the energy transition, from policy and market frameworks to technology options and capacity building. SIDS LHI brings together 36 SIDS as well as 30 partners, including developed countries, regional and international organisations, development and multilateral agencies, private companies, research institutes and non-profit organisations. IRENA is the coordinator and facilitator of the initiative.
In the framework of the initiative, SIDS partners have gained access, among other aspects, to:
SIDS Partners
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Cuba, Comoros, Cook Islands, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Montserrat, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Other Partners
Denmark, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation, Clean Energy Solutions Center, Clinton Climate Initiative, ENEL, European Union, Greening the Islands, Indian Ocean Commission, International Renewable Energy Agency, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Pacific Islands Development Forum, Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Power Association, Rocky Mountain Institute - Carbon War Room, Solar Head of State, Sustainable Energy for All, Sur Futuro Foundation, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS) , World Bank
The strong political commitment of SIDS and the remarkable cost reductions in technologies such as solar PV and onshore wind, coupled with the support of a wide range of partners, have made renewables an affordable solution for countries with limited financing and technical capabilities. Learn more about the current state of renewables and related information in SIDS.
Net-zero Investment Lab: Public and Private Sector Collaboration on Accelerating Green Investment in SIDS
30 March 2021 |
23 February 2021 |
Virtual
Since the Earth Summit in 1992, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have been recognised as a special category of countries that have unique circumstances and needs arising from the adverse impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the SIDS economies and livelihoods. The Alliance of Small Islands States (AOSIS) has been the moral advocate and champion on high climate ambition for the island nations and has achieved remarkable accomplishments on global climate change and sustainable development agenda, including the formation of UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and most recently Paris Agreement. SIDS have committed to transitioning key sectors to ensure they meet the 1.5°C goal, as reflected in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including ambition towards 100% renewable energy targets. Launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, the “Accelerating Renewable Energy Transition in SIDS” initiative committed to transition to ambitious sustainable energy targets by 2030, by leveraging the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI).
Pacific NDC Dialogue: Enhancing and Implementing the Pacific SIDS Commitments to the Paris Agreement through Energy Transformation
23 February 2021 |
23 February 2021 |
Webinar
The Small Island Developing States played a pivotal and cohesive role in the lead up to the adoption of the Paris Agreement and were amongst the first countries to ratify and submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Technical Webinar Series-Transforming SIDs Power System through VRE
29 October 2020 |
29 October 2020 |
Webinar
This webinar was an initiative by IRENA to support Small island developing states in their transition to a sustainable energy future. It aims to outreach our publication “Transforming small island states” and share results and recommendations of some of the grid assessment studies conducted in the recent past for Islands.
Energy Transformation in Small Island Developing States Towards Sustainable and Climate Resilient Post-Pandemic Recovery
15 September 2020 |
15 September 2020 |
Webinar
Ministers, high-level representatives of Small Island States (SIDS) along with partner countries, and multilateral institutions met virtually on 15 September 2020, 8:00 – 9:30 EST, to discuss Energy Transformation in SIDS towards Sustainable and Climate resilient Post-Pandemic Recovery as part of the webinar series of the UN Climate Action Summit’s Energy Transition Track . The series were organized by the Governments of Denmark and Ethiopia as co-chairs of the Energy Track.
SIDS Lighthouses Initiative is supported and coordinated by the International Renewable Energy Agency.
