100% Renewable Energy Targets in the Pacific Islands
In May 2012, Ministers representing a group of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) agreed to the Barbados Declaration, which included a declaration on renewable energy targets by Pacific Island Countries (PICs), seven of which declared an ambitious target to generate 100% of their electricity from renewable technologies. The Cook Islands, Niue and Tuvalu have set a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2020, and Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands for 100% renewable energy by 2030. Tokelau already achieved the target by 2012/2013. The process of transition to renewable energy generation is deeply rooted in the existing national and regional policies, plans and priorities of the PICs, as reflected in their national and regional energy policy documents. However, the case demonstrates the highest political willof se ven PICs to transition to 100% of their electricity generation from renewable energy technologies, exhibiting ambitious goals for renewable energy transition. A coordinated and consultative approach at all levels (local, national and regional) was undertaken to remove barriers to the implementation of renewable energy plans in these countries. To ensure the implementation of the targets, the governments are seeking technical and financial support through ongoing regional activities and support from bilateral and multilateral finance channels. The country governments and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community aims to continue the momentum of meeting with these ambitious targets and to draw synergies with upcoming activities including the development of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and the preparation of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
