Events

The Fiji Department of Energy and IRENA through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative undertook a detailed legislative gap analysis to identify gaps and issues that needed to be addressed to facilitate the accelerated deployment of renewable energy, increase private sector participation, and strengthen energy security in Fiji. The consultation workshop aims to engage stakeholders including representatives from Government Ministries and Departments, the power utility, development partners, financial institutions and private sector to discuss the findings and recommendations from the gap analysis study.

The expected outcomes of the workshop include reaching a consensus on the identified gaps within the current legislative framework, gathering stakeholder feedback, and validating the proposed recommendations. This process aims to foster a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders that will be incorporated into the implementation plan.

On 24-25 October, the 28th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council meeting concluded in Abu Dhabi, where discussions highlighted the energy transition efforts of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Member states recognized the achievements of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), coordinated by IRENA, yet emphasized the urgent need for more targeted capacity-building, financial support, and innovative technology transfer to bridge existing gaps and enable SIDS to meet their renewable energy goals. During the session, interventions from Papua New Guinea, Antigua and Barbuda, Tonga, Mauritius, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, the USA, Denmark, and the UK underscored the diversity of support and shared priorities for advancing SIDS’ resilience.

As momentum builds, sustained collaboration and dedicated resources will be essential to realizing a sustainable energy future for these vulnerable regions.

On September 18, 2024, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) hosted a significant side event titled “Fostering Public-Private Partnerships in the Renewable Energy Sector” at the World Utilities Congress 2024. Organized under the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), this session brought together approximately 25 participants to explore successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in the renewable energy sector, specifically focusing on their application in SIDS.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Raul Alfaro Pelico, Director of the Knowledge, Policy, and Finance Centre (KPFC) at IRENA. He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in overcoming the unique challenges faced by SIDS, such as geographic isolation and vulnerability to climate change, and emphasized the role of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative in uniting 41 SIDS and 52 partners across various regions.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. The Hon. William F. Duguid, J.P., M.P., Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office of Barbados. Dr. Duguid highlighted the potential of PPPs to address the energy challenges faced by SIDS, advocating for resilient infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks to attract investment. He showcased successful initiatives from the Caribbean, such as Jamaica's Wigton Windfarm, as exemplars of how PPPs can enhance energy security and sustainability.

Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion moderated by Ms. Nadia Mohammed, Programme Officer at IRENA, featured distinguished speakers including H.E. Cornelius Walegerea, H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ms. Laura Thomson, and Ms. Noura Al Harasi. This discussion provided diverse perspectives on navigating energy transitions in SIDS through effective PPP approaches. Key insights included:

• H.E. Cornelius Walegerea highlighted the Tina River Hydropower Project, emphasizing its role in addressing high electricity costs and its significance for local climate goals.
• H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja shared Malta's challenges and aspirations in energy transition, including innovative projects like a floating offshore wind initiative.
• Ms. Laura Thomson discussed the Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) model in the UAE, stressing its importance in attracting investment and driving sustainable projects.
• Ms. Noura Al Harasi illustrated the UAE's commitment to fostering collaboration for clean energy, showcasing successful projects and the significance of supportive policies.

The session concluded with remarks from Ms. Aicha Ben Youssef, Associate Professional at IRENA, reinforcing the necessity of effective PPPs in achieving sustainable development goals. Participants were encouraged to engage in continuous dialogue to advance renewable energy projects, with a focus on innovative solutions and tailored policy frameworks.

This event served as a crucial platform for collaboration between SIDS, private sector leaders, and international financiers, underscoring the importance of shared knowledge and resources in fostering sustainable energy solutions.

As part of the ongoing efforts to accelerate sustainable energy strategies in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) has developed a comprehensive set of progress indicators and impact measures to assess the implementation of the SIDS LHI's priority areas. These areas range from renewable energy deployment and capacity building to resilience building, access to finance and socio-economic development.

The Consultative Workshop for the SIDS LHI Stakeholders on “Validating the progress indicators and impact measures of the implementation of the SIDS LHI Priority Areas” was held on Zoom from 2 to 4 July 2024. The workshop presented the consolidated draft set of progress indicators and impact measures following three consultations with SIDS across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS), Caribbean, and Pacific regions. The aim was to refine the draft indicators to ensure they meet the specific needs and constraints of different SIDS regions, and to gather further inputs from SIDS LHI partners.

IRENA through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative aims to convene SIDS representatives, development partners, regional and multilateral organizations, financing institutions, and other stakeholders. Through strategic deliberations, the event seeks to identify innovative financing mechanisms, facilitate technology transfer, and outline capacity-building initiatives crucial for SIDS to achieve their renewable energy commitments.

Furthermore, the key discussion points during the side event will take into consideration the following aspects:

• Exploring innovative financing mechanisms tailored to the unique challenges faced by SIDS.
• Facilitating technology transfer and knowledge sharing to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
• Identifying capacity-building needs and strategies to enhance SIDS' resilience and expertise in renewable energy development.
• Fostering partnerships and collaborations to mobilize resources and support SIDS' energy transition efforts.

The expected outcomes of the side event will gauge how the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative and similar SIDS focussed initiatives can facilitate:

• Enhanced understanding of the financing landscape and available mechanisms for supporting SIDS' renewable energy projects.
• Concrete strategies and action plans for facilitating technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives in SIDS.
• Strengthened partnerships and commitments towards advancing renewable energy transformation in SIDS.
• A roadmap for continued collaboration and support to ensure the realization of SIDS' renewable energy commitments.

See the event outcomes here.

Read more about this event here.

SIDS have emerged as global leaders in energy transition and climate action, with commitments to decarbonize their electricity sectors and pursue comprehensive transformation of energy systems. Despite challenges posed by climate change and limited resources, SIDS continue to mobilize finance and garner international support for tailored solutions that provide socio-economic benefits.

IRENA, as the facilitator of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, will convene the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Ministerial: Charting a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future for Small Island Developing States to address sustainable development and climate priorities, focusing on accelerating decarbonization efforts, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring no one is left behind. Join us as we chart a forward course towards the 4th International Conference for SIDS, identifying champions for priority areas and advancing genuine commitments towards realizing national, regional, and global goals.

The primary objective of the inaugural regional consultation workshop in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) region is to introduce and solicit feedback on the draft progress indicators and impact measures developed for the implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI). The workshop aims to achieve consensus on the significance of participating in and reporting on the progress of the SIDS LHI, enhance the reporting competencies of participants, secure agreement on a set of shortlisted indicators and impact measures pertaining to the initiative’s twelve priority areas, and facilitate the sharing of experiences related to reporting challenges and capacity requirements.

Targeted participants include representatives from government ministries, the public sector, development partners, financial institutions, and other pertinent stakeholders in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) Small Island Developing States responsible for overseeing the energy transition and monitoring progress within international frameworks.

The primary objective of the inaugural regional consultation workshop in the Caribbean region is to introduce and solicit feedback on the draft progress indicators and impact measures developed for the implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI). The workshop aims to achieve consensus on the significance of participating in and reporting on the progress of the SIDS LHI, enhance the reporting competencies of participants, secure agreement on a set of shortlisted indicators and impact measures pertaining to the initiative’s twelve priority areas, and facilitate the sharing of experiences related to reporting challenges and capacity requirements.

Targeted participants include representatives from government ministries, the public sector, development partners, financial institutions, and other pertinent stakeholders in the Caribbean Small Island Developing States responsible for overseeing the energy transition and monitoring progress within international frameworks.

The Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA): Solomon Islands undertaken by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), through the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) finds that renewable energy presents multifaceted opportunities to improve the quality of life and to reduce fossil fuels dependence in Solomon Islands.

The report was launched today in Honiara in front of high-level representatives from the government, development partners and other key stakeholders. The Assessment highlights the untapped potential of renewables coupled with energy efficiency interventions and other innovative solutions can offer the country significantly cheaper alternatives to imported fossil fuels. Currently, 0.34 MW of solar energy capacity and 4.13 MW of hydropower already contribute to the country’s energy mix.

During the same event, IRENA launched the addition of selected area in Honiara to the SolarCity Simulator through a training and awareness workshop with stakeholders. The SolarCity Simulator is an online platform that allows its users – homeowners, investors, and authorities – to assess the technical and financial viability of installing solar photovoltaics (PV) on buildings. The free tool allows users to test different system designs, policy instruments and incentive schemes to deploy rooftop solar PV, that could lead to potential economic savings and social-environmental benefits.

Read more about the event here.

• Holistic decarbonization and sustainable development strategies, appropriate financing and regulatory frameworks that will facilitate a resilient and just transition.
• Complementing the global stocktake, highlight SIDS progress and impacts on energy transition efforts in SIDS as aligned to the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative twelve priority areas.
• SIDS perspectives on the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
• Discussions on the focus and priorities of SIDS LHI 3.0 (green hydrogen, ocean and offshore renewables, nexus points, aggregation of regional projects, lives and livelihoods) in the lead up to the 4th International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024 and the SIDS LHI 10th Anniversary.

• SIDS Leaders including Heads of State and Government, Ministers responsible for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
• Developed Countries who are partners of the SIDS LHI – United Arab Emirates, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, France
• Development Partners such as the Green Climate Fund, World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Asian Development Bank
• Regional Organisations such as the Pacific Community, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
• Representatives of other relevant regional and international organisations, development and multilateral agencies, financing institutions, private companies, research institutes and non-profit organisations that are partners of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative.

• Promoting all renewable energy resources including geothermal and ocean technology, energy efficiency, green hydrogen, battery storage, transport.
• Linking RE uptake to climate resilience and disaster recovery.
• Reinforcing nexus points between renewables and non-energy sectors (agri-food, health, water, tourism, fisheries, education, ICT) for broad socio-economic development (SMEs and entrepreneurship, job creation, gender equality, youth and women's empowerment).

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry (MECI) of Cyprus and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), will be co-organising the 7th International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency (RESEE2023) to share best practices, lessons learned and opportunities to accelerate the deployment of Renewable Energy (RE) technologies and highlighting the importance of Energy Efficiency in Cyprus and similar economies, to emphasise the significance of energy diversification for energy security.

RESEE2023 will be held on 12-14 of October 2023 at the Hilton Hotel, Nicosia, Cyprus following six successful conferences, since 2007. The topics that will be covered in the conference will include but not limited to renewable energy sources and technologies, long term energy planning and RE Roadmap towards Cyprus’ National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), Geothermal for heating and cooling, island and regional cooperation, island tourism, digitalization and blockchain technology, energy supply security, e-mobility and smart charging for electric vehicles, energy communities and active consumers, energy efficiency, green buildings, weather forecasting, rural electrification, energy markets, desalination solutions for islands, green hydrogen and battery storage amongst others.

Read more about this event here.

In order to assess the potential for installing rooftop solar PV systems in São Tomé, IRENA, with support from UNDP, has developed the SolarCity simulator for a selected area in the city. The SolarCity simulator is an online platform that allows its users (homeowner, investor, and authorities) to assess the technical and financial viability of installing solar PV on building by testing different system designs, policy instruments, and incentive schemes that could lead to potential economic savings and social-environmental benefits.

IRENA’s SolarCity simulator is a cost-effective approach that relies on site-specific solar resource data, 3D building footprints obtained from satellite images, a robust power generation model to calculate hourly and annual electricity production, and a simplified financial model to establish a range of economic indicators, such as payback (to equity), EIRR and total income for the development of specific rooftop solar PV project.

The session will cover presentations on methodology for developing the simulator with a demonstration. There will be presentations from UNDP and International Solar Alliance (ISA), and interventions from the country and African Development bank sharing their expert opinion and best practices.

The health sector in São Tomé and Príncipe is highly vulnerable to significant power shortages with periods of lengthy blackouts. All the health facilities in the country are connected to the grid, however, the power supply is highly unreliable. Back-up systems are inadequate, with only the main healthcare facilities benefiting from back-up diesel generators – even in those cases, severe diesel shortages make those limited back-up options unreliable.

The energy and health care challenges have spurred the Government’s interest in creating an environment for investments in the energy sector in general and in special in the renewable energy sector, particularly in critical sectors such as health care. Interventions in this sector will moreover enable the country to face the rising impact of climatic disasters better and address their energy transition towards sustainable growth.

In response to the support request received from São Tomé and Príncipe on the deployment of renewable energy solutions for its healthcare facilities, IRENA, with support from UNDP, SELCO Foundation and the local consultant, has conducted a detailed country assessment analyzing the current energy-health infrastructure, and has come up with the technical designs, cost estimates for renewable-based power interventions. The assessment also presents the options for O&M models and makes recommendations on energy-efficient appliances and built environments. Now that the draft of the report on the electrification of healthcare facilities has been completed, IRENA with support from UNDP is organising a validation workshop to present findings from the two workstream. The workshop will be organized in a hybrid format.

Desired outcomes:

• Wide dissemination of the key findings of the conducted assessments for electrification of healthcare facilities, including necessary steps and cost estimates for the solutions to be applied to other healthcare facilities, as well as a more energy-efficient delivery of healthcare services and building design, and
• First steps for establishing a coalition of stakeholders in the country to carry out the steps and recommendations included in the conducted assessment

The primary objective of the inaugural regional consultation workshop in the Pacific region is to introduce and solicit feedback on the draft progress indicators and impact measures developed for the implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI). The workshop aims to achieve consensus on the significance of participating in and reporting on the progress of the SIDS LHI, enhance the reporting competencies of participants, secure agreement on a set of shortlisted indicators and impact measures pertaining to the initiative's twelve priority areas, and facilitate the sharing of experiences related to reporting challenges and capacity requirements.

Targeted participants include representatives from government ministries, the public sector, development partners, financial institutions, and other pertinent stakeholders in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) responsible for overseeing the energy transition and monitoring progress within international frameworks.

Read more about this event here.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, is hosting a high-level event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The event aims to showcase SIDS' NDC implementation achievements, identify and prioritize energy transition actions and gaps across mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, and contribute to preparations for COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2023.

This event seeks to catalyze the development of concrete action plans, commitments, and partnerships to close the financing, technology, capacity, and knowledge gaps essential for SIDS to accelerate their progress towards achieving climate targets and transitioning to sustainable and resilient energy systems. It provides a platform for high-level representatives from governments, regional and international development partners, and other stakeholders to share insights on innovative financing, technological solutions, and partnerships that have proven effective and can be replicated in advancing climate action and energy transition projects within SIDS. Join us in driving meaningful change towards a sustainable and resilient future for Small Island Developing States.

Read more about this event here.

The Government of Barbados and IRENA, through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, in association with Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator and Caribbean Development Bank, co-hosted an event on the IRENA-Caribbean Cooperation for fostering Energy Transition Investments and Finance to bring together key stakeholders in the Caribbean region towards accelerating energy transition investments, moving beyond pledges to action and closing the financing gap.

Find more here.

Pacific SIDS have prioritised energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors in order to reduce carbon emissions, including strengthening the capacity of its citizens to undertake energy assessments of their homes and businesses, to identify cost saving measures and to reduce their energy consumption. Through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, and in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services of Government of Fiji, IRENA hosted a five-day training event to strengthen the capacity of the Pacific SIDS Energy Offices to conduct energy assessments to better manage their energy consumption. 

IRENA held a SIDS ministerial meeting on the pre-Assembly day of its 13th General Assembly to present an update on the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative's progress toward the realisation of the S.A.M.O.A. Pathway, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals. 

Read more about this event here

Watch the ministerial here

Learn more about the Thirteenth General Assembly

Through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, IRENA presented this capacity building event which aims to enhance the capability of policymakers, power utilities and regulators to design and negotiate bankable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), with the final goal of securing an effective commitment of private capital for the deployment of renewable energy projects in the Caribbean SIDS.

Several SIDS has prioritised energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors including strengthening the capacity of its citizens to undertake energy assessments of their homes and businesses, to identify cost saving measures and to reduce their energy consumption. In particular, emphasis is also being placed on the active engagement of young people in the energy transition as they are key actors in raising awareness as well as driving social change, innovation and environmental protection.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) organised this two day webinar targeting homeowners, students, youth and other participants, with the aim aims to provide an introduction to energy conservation and management with a focus on the conduct of home energy assessments.

You may view the recording of of the various webinars as below:

Webinar 1 (14 - 15 December 2021) : Day 1 & 2

Webinar 2 (12 - 13 April 2022) : Day 1 Day 2

Webinar 3 (20 - 21 April 2022) : Day 1 Day 2

Through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, IRENA, in collaboration with SPC, is hosting a virtual regional training that aims to strengthen the Pacific SIDS capacity to implement their NDCs and long-term low emission development strategies, by developing participants’ skills in various techniques and methodologies for appraising GHG mitigation policies and projects, collection and use of energy data to estimate GHG emissions reductions from policies and projects in the energy and related end-use sectors, monitoring and evaluation of GHG emission reduction policies and projects. The training will be based on the current uses of energy and emissions profiles of Pacific SIDS and will focus on the types of policies and projects that are most relevant for reducing GHG emissions in these countries. It will also focus on the types of energy data and analysis that are necessary to build a strong business case for GHG emission reduction policies and projects as well as simple and cost-effective ways to obtain this data.

Read more here.

Learn more about the priority action areas