1. Transforming Island Energy Systems
Policy Conference EUSEW 2018
Transforming Island Energy Systems
Elizabeth Press
Director of Planning and Programme Support, IRENA
Brussels, Belgium
6 June 2018

2. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Source: IRENA, 2017

3. Growth in SIDS renewable power installed capacity as a result of NDC implementation
NDC–driven growth in capacity between 2015 and 2030
 In absolute terms
 In relative terms
+ 6.4 GW
Renewable energy targets in SIDS NDCs show an ambitious growth for renewables in the power sector

4. Comparison of NDC targets with recent renewable energy deployment
NDC-driven change in average annual renewable energy deployment
NDC-driven change in annual growth rates
4.2%
9.3%
SIDS
8.5%
3.6%
World
The implementation of NDCs in SIDS would lead to an acceleration of renewable energy deployment compared to

5. SIDS Lighthouses Initiative Project facilitation platforms/tools
IRENA’s support for islands’ energy sector transformation
SIDS Lighthouses Initiative
Quickscans
Grid integration studies
Roadmaps
Renewables Readiness Assessment
Project facilitation platforms/tools

6. IRENA Quickscan analysis: RE transition elements
Access to finance a major issue: Local funding not sufficient to achieve RE goals, Framework to attract foreign RE investments not in place / not effective
Lack of plans and budgets to operate and maintain public and donor-funded RE projects
Critic need for capacity to plan and operate grids with a high share of wind and PV
National energy roadmaps covering RE developed by most SIDS in the Pacific, still needed for some SIDS in the Caribbean and AIMS regions

7. OCTA Quickscan analysis: RE transition elements
Barriers and opportunities similar to IRENA analysis: Need for access to RE project financing and capacity building
Highlight challenges to renewables coming from:
Scarcity of land for project deployment
Lack of co-ordination among key energy sector stakeholders, with co-operation between governments and utilities being especially critical

8. Conclusions Early action is critical
Establish stable, consistent and transparent enabling frameworks for renewables
Utilise public finance to effectively mobilise private investment
Align targets in NDCs with existing national plans and strategies
Explore opportunities for renewables in end-use sectors and SDG agenda
Include renewable energy targets as part of their adaptation strategies
Base targets on sound data and projections
Engage all stakeholders, including energy, finance and climate, and public and private actors