Events

SIDS Ministerial Roundtable: ‘Small Islands, Big Solutions: Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transitions for Climate Action towards Future Prosperity’, 12 March 2025, Bridgetown, Barbados

The SEforALL Global Forum will be held in Bridgetown, Barbados from 12–13 March 2025, co-hosted with the Government of Barbados, led by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. It will serve as a platform for government, business and finance leaders, entrepreneurs, youth and community representatives from around the world to come together to showcase leadership, broker new partnerships, spur new investment and address emerging challenges. It will also put a particular focus on the imperative for just and equitable energy transitions that deliver ambitious climate progress while forging development opportunities for climate-vulnerable countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

SIDS have emerged as global leaders in energy transition and climate action, demonstrating strong commitments through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and decarbonization strategies. While some progress has been made in decarbonizing electricity in SIDS, countries continue to be constrained by economic challenges, capacity limitations, climate vulnerabilities, and energy security concerns—factors that traditionally just transition frameworks have yet to adequately address within the unique contexts of SIDS. Building on outcomes from past SIDS-focused events, on 12 March 2025, the SIDS Ministerial which is being organized with IRENA through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative will foster collaboration and ambition, setting the stage for impactful participation at COP30 in Brazil with an aim to:

• Strengthen regional and international collaboration to unlock climate finance and technical support for SIDS
• Position SIDS leadership by leveraging the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0 as a lever for attracting greater investments to the region in the lead up to COP30
• Launch concrete commitments and initiatives to support SIDS in achieving their energy transition goals

For more information on the forum, visit: https://www.seforall.org/forum

BARBADOS POD: Caribbean Energy Evolution: Strengthening Regional Grids and Spotlight on Barbados, 13 March 2025, Bridgetown, Barbados

Set for 12-13 March 2025, the SEforALL Global Forum will be convened as a high-level platform for leaders from government, philanthropies, business, finance and communities, including youth and entrepreneurs, to forge new partnerships, stimulate investment, and tackle the interconnected challenges of energy, climate and development, and create the conditions. The Forum will focus on the imperative for a just and equitable energy transition, aiming to achieve climate progress while simultaneously eliminating energy poverty and catalysing development opportunities. It highlights the leadership of nations like Barbados and other developing countries, showcasing their unique pathways and challenges as they transition towards net-zero emissions.

On 13 March 2025, SEforAll, the Government of Barbados, IRENA through UNEZA and the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative and its partners are co-organising the session “BARBADOS POD: Caribbean Energy Evolution: Strengthening Regional Grids and Spotlight on Barbados” with a focus on fostering partnerships and exchanging innovative strategies to accelerate renewables deployment and regional grid connectivity and integration in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is at a critical juncture in its energy transition, facing high energy costs and reliance on imported fossil fuels that challenge economic resilience and climate goals. Unlocking the region’s renewable energy potential—across solar, wind, and geothermal—requires modernizing infrastructure, enhancing grid flexibility, and strengthening regional interconnections. This session seeks to advance collaboration on strengthening regional grids, the sustainable development of renewables in the Caribbean by facilitating a strategic exchange of knowledge and expertise between Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and partners and will explore:

• Practical guidance on creating a well-functioning market activation plan and overcoming financial barriers
• Strengthening regional grid integration and interconnectivity and specific opportunities
• The technical barriers and opportunities to enhance grid infrastructure, system flexibility including energy storage and interconnectivity for the scaling renewables in the Caribbean region.

For more information on the forum, visit: https://www.seforall.org/forum

The Energy Transition Assessment (ETA) for Papua New Guinea investigates the suitability of conditions for the development and deployment of renewable energy and proposes short and medium-term actions to accelerate energy transition efforts through the promotion of all renewable energy sources including geothermal, ocean and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and battery storage, in additional to solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy. The ETA will look at the policy and regulatory frameworks that are in place or are in needed to be in place to facilitate the acceleration of renewables uptake in Papua New Guinea, in addition to the financing and capacity needs.

According to IRENA data, 19% of the Papua New Guinea population have access to electricity by 2024 and aims to achieve 100 electricity access for its population by 2050. Energy access will contribute to the improvement of lives and livelihoods of the country and bring about socio-economic benefits such as jobs and other income generating activities, but also contribute to better access of healthcare, education, food, and water security including fisheries as well as the tourism sector. In its updated Nationally Determined Contributions that was submitted to UNFCCC in 2020, Papua New Guinea's Government with support from development partners and investors, aims to advance sustainable economic development by enhancing its energy sector and climate adaptation efforts. A key focus is the transport subsector, where the government aims to regulate GHG emissions and promote fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), PNG seeks to strengthen institutional capacity and integrate climate adaptation into national and sub-national planning. The National Energy Authority and the International Energy Renewable Energy Agency through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative will host the National Expert Workshop with an aim to bring all the stakeholders of Papua New Guinea’s energy sector together to discuss the issues constraining the energy transition efforts with renewable energy deployment and identify opportunities to address these issues and put forward action plans for implementation and addressing cross cutting issues such as capacity and investment.

The event is by invitation only.

The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Decarbonization Forum, organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ), in collaboration with IRENA through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to address the urgent need for decarbonization and climate resilience in SIDS. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, SIDS are disproportionately impacted by climate change. The forum will focus on innovative solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance renewable energy deployment, and strengthen climate resilience.

Key challenges for SIDS include fragile grid networks, geographical barriers to energy transmission, and infrastructure gaps in land and sea transportation. The event builds on past efforts since 2015 to promote renewable energy, improve access to climate finance, and share best practices and emerging technologies.

The two-day forum, held in person with some hybrid sessions, will bring together SIDS, Japan, and other stakeholders to:

• Share lessons and initiatives on decarbonization, and
• Discuss climate policies and technological advancements tailored to SIDS' unique needs.

This event underscores the global commitment to supporting SIDS in their energy transition and climate resilience efforts.

As part of the Fifteenth IRENA Assembly, a High-Level Dialogue will focus on accelerating renewable energy adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development. The session will address key challenges, including on scaling renewable energy in SIDS to enhance resilience, sustainability, and energy security. . The event will feature two high-level thematic discussions which will focus on the following topics: 1) Financing Energy Transitions, Climate Resilience, and Inclusive Solutions, 2) Maximizing the Impact of Energy Transitions in SIDS through Technology Transfer and Capacity Building.

This session will build on the achievements of initiatives such as SIDS LHI and aims to strengthen international collaboration to unlock the full potential of renewable energy for SIDS. Stakeholders will work to identify actionable pathways for transforming the energy landscape of SIDS and advancing global climate and sustainability goals.

Malta and IRENA through SIDS LHI extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us at our COP29 side event on November 18th, titled “Efficient water management and Offshore Renewables – A Green Opportunity for Island Blue Economies”, your participation, insights made this gathering truly impactful.

During the event we showcased Malta’s advancements in efficient water management and deep-sea offshore renewable energy generation. The event highlights Malta's best practices, lessons learned, and challenges related to jurisdiction, environmental concerns, and other key issues, offering insights for SIDS to replicate and scale these innovative solutions in their island economies.

“Malta is committed to stand alongside small islands, particularly SIDS as well as other island nations, to create sustainable future. Malta’s journey demonstrated that even under challenging situation, strategic data-driven innovative approaches on efficient water and offshore renewables can enhance resilience and foster prosperity for sustainable development”, said Hon. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Malta.

“Fiji blesses abundant renewable resources. Fiji is targeting more than 90% of renewables in power mix by 2030 towards 2050 net-zero emissions. This is ambitious, but we believe this can be achieved. We are diversifying the power sources beyond hydropower, such as solar grid with battery energy systems, floating solar, biomass energy. We do need assistance from organizations like IRENA and countries”, said Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau Minister for Public Works and Meteorological Services Fiji.

A heartfelt appreciation for our distinguished speakers: Hon. Dr. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Malta, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau Minister for Public Works and Meteorological Services Fiji, Mr. Manuel Sapiano, CEO, EWA, Malta, Mr. Gabriel Makengo, Director of Energy, Sao Tome and Principe, Ms. Angeline Heine, Director of Energy, Marshall Islands, Mr. Karl Cilia, CEO, WSC, Malta, Mr. Gianni Chianetta, Chair of GIF, Mr. James Ellsmoor, Founder and Director, Island Innovation, Mr. Toshifumi Kazaoka, Senior Investment Officer, AIIB.

Your contributions helped demystify the crucial role of innovative and sustainable projects in water management and offshore renewables for SIDS. Let’s continue this journey of collaboration and action to amplify the voices of SIDS in the global energy transition.

UNOHRLLS and IRENA through SIDS LHI extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us at our COP29 side event on November 14th, titled, “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for a Green and Resilient Transition in Small Island Developing States”, your participation, insights made this gathering truly impactful.

During this event we explored how strategic partnerships can support SIDS in overcoming the challenges of their energy transitions and climate action, focusing on fostering public-private partnerships to unlock investment, build local capacity, and develop innovative solutions that enhance resilience and sustainability.

“When we are talking about PPP, Public Private and “People” Partnership is important for the climate resilient sustainable development of island countries. Engagement of local communities are very important in SIDS context”, said Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Japan.

“Private sector has an active role to play for climate resilient development in Pacific Islands. However, mobilizing private sector investment is not a very easy task in SIDS since the size of the economy is relatively small. Therefore, the strategic leverage of public sector involvement, such as public finance, cooperation with the other governments (i.e. donors such as Australia and Japan), is very important”, said H.E. Baron Waqa, Secretary General, PIFS.

A heartfelt appreciation for our distinguished speakers: H.E. Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Japan, H.E. Baron Waqa, Secretary General, PIFS, Ms. Annika Bellot, Lawyer, Attaché and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Fellow, Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations, Dominica, Ms. Racquel Moses, CEO, CCSA, Mr. Gianni Chianetta, Chair, GIF, Mr. Mark Hoppe, Head of Public Affairs & Business Development, SkySails Power GmbH.

Your contributions highlighted how innovative partnerships, financing, and policy reforms are driving sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration across sectors in SIDS. Let’s continue this journey of collaboration and action to amplify the voices of SIDS in the global energy transition.

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