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    SIDS Lighthouses initiative

    The SIDS Lighthouses initiative (LHI) is a framework for action to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their energy transition efforts from fossil fuel dependence to renewables. The Initiative brings together 40 SIDS as well as 36 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.

     

    SIDS LHI Priorities

Partners

RE PROGRESS

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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 island states with limited financing and technical capabilities. Since the launch of SIDS LHI in 2014, the uptake of renewable energy in SIDS have been impressive inspite of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the recurring and intensifying natural disasters and phenomena related to global warming.

The uptake of renewables in SIDS continues to grow consistently. Installed renewable energy capacity in SIDS has grown from 3.5 GW in 2014 to 5.9 GW in 2020. A record growth of 19.5% was noted between 2018 and 2019 while it decreased to 5.3% between 2019 and 2020 which is due to recurring natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The new installed renewables capacity in 2020 compared to 2019 included 177 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV), 109 MW of bioenergy,10 MW of hydropower and 4 MW of wind while geothermal remained stagnant.

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Events

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  • Grenada Capacity Building Programme - Webinar slide

    Grenada Capacity Building Programme for Energy Management and Energy Audits

    20 April 2022 | Virtual Through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, IRENA, in collaboration with the Energy Division, Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Physical Development, Grenada, have developed a Capacity Building Programme for Energy Management and Energy Audits.
  • Accelerating the development of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in SIDS

    11 February 2022 | Virtual This webinar on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is part of a three- part Technical Webinar Series which aims to promote ocean energy development in SIDS.
  • Building the Capacity of Future Generations to Lead the Energy Transition in Seychelles

    The Government of Seychelles has prioritized promoting youth participation for a just and sustainable energy transition. As part of the Government’s broader objective to reduce its fossil fuel consumption by 15% by 2030 and to build capacity among the younger generation, the School Solar Project is being implemented with an aim to install solar PV systems on all, 32 public schools located on the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. The video shows how the schools’ rooftop systems provides students with an on-site learning experience while contributing to the energy needs of the school. Recognizing the important role that youth play within their communities as advocates and agents of change for the energy transition and climate action, the project has been instrumental in the Government’s plan to raise the level of awareness and educate the public about the use of renewable energy and the impacts of climate change.
  • Empowering Women and Rural Communities with Economic Opportunities through Renewables in Samoa

    The Government of Samoa has recognised the importance of strengthening women’s involvement in the energy transition including raised the visibility of female role models working in the energy sector. Implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Sa’asa’ai Biogas Project forms part of the “Improving the Performance and Reliability of RE Power System in Samoa” (IMPRESS) Project which supports the national objective to achieve 100 % renewable energy target by 2025. The video showcases the 10 cubic meter biogas digester system installation, established on the island of Savai’i to provide biogas from the piggery, kitchen, and organic wastes at Sa’asa’ai Community. The project has significant potential to be replicated in other Pacific SIDS due to the multiple socio-economic benefits. Not only has it contributed to sustainable waste management in the community and improved the quality of agricultural produce through the generation of liquid fertilizer but has also generated business opportunities and empowered women in rural communities through the provision of affordable gas for cooking and lighting.
  • Human Impacts of Energy Transition Efforts in Small Island Developing States

    The short promo video showcases the human impacts of renewable energy deployment in Seychelles, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Samoa in terms of jobs, gender equality and equity, entrepreneurship, improved public health, increased food and water security, sanitation, clean cooking and meeting other basic human needs whilst improving lives and livelihoods.
  • SIDS Ministerial – Climate Pledges to Action: Amplifying Energy Transition for Sustainable Development in SIDS, 13 January 2023

    The SIDS Ministerial provided an update on SIDS commitments towards the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals including the identification of strategies to accelerate action related to climate finance and implementation of renewable energy solutions.
  • IRENA at COP27: Closing the Gap — securing lives, creating livelihoods in SIDS, 16 November 2022

    IRENA through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) hosted a high-level event at COP27 to highlight the achievements of SIDS NDC implementation; to identify and prioritize the actions and gaps to meet their targets, and to highlight opportunities to increase their ambition on climate action.
  • Actions to accelerate energy transition & strengthen climate resilience in SIDS

    Small Island Developing States (SIDS) hold great influence on global climate action, but investment in energy transition remains a major constraint in unlocking its renewable energy potential. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) coordinates the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative to accelerate SIDS' energy transition and increase their climate resilience.
  • Improving healthcare and saving lives with renewables

  • IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera on the 5th Anniversary of Paris Agreement and SIDS

  • Accelerating Renewable Energy in SIDS

  • Renewable energy transforming sustainable food systems

  • Renewable energy supporting sustainable water