Pacific SIDS energy, ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods initiative: managing the ecosystem implications of energy policies in the Pacific Island States Review Report 2011

Raturi, Atul K. (2012) Pacific SIDS energy, ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods initiative: managing the ecosystem implications of energy policies in the Pacific Island States Review Report 2011. [Professional and Technical Reports]

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Abstract

Executive Summary: The Energy, Ecosystem, Sustainable Livelihood Initiative (EESLI) has been operative in the 6 PICs for the last 3 years. This review is a followup of a mid-term review of the EESLI projects that was carried out in November- December 2009. The EESLI is part of a larger programme being funded by the Government of Italy (Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), in collaboration with the Government of Austria and the City of Milan. The overarching objective of this programme is the reduction of GHGs through implementation of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects in the six participating countries. In addition, there are a number of small-scale activities being undertaken under the Special Initiatives component. The main findings of this review are: • All country projects with the exception of Vanuatu have almost reached their end point. • Vanuatu solar rehabilitation is 90% complete and wind monitoring equipment is being installed at present. The hydropower project is finally taking shape and is expected to be completed in 2012. Landowners’ concerns (regarding wind monitoring locations) are still an issue. The refurbished solar PV systems in health centres have made a remarkable impact on provision of basic health services to rural population and also enhanced educational facilities in hitherto un-electrified schools. • The Palau project has been able to create a multiplier effect with banks/financial institutions from the other PICs planning to start subsidy schemes in their countries. The energy efficiency loan scheme is now being extended to cover loans for renewable energy equipment. This project has also encouraged other agencies (GEF, SPC and ADB) to support similar efforts. • The Tuvalu GCPV project was completed in 2009 but faces difficulty, as one of the battery banks is not functional at present (November 2011). The solar street lighting component has helped make the school environs much safer especially for the girl boarders and staff. • RMI project (retrofitting of LED lights) is 90% complete. The project proponents envisage annual savings of USD 300,000 due to reduced diesel consumption. This project itself is straightforward and should not have serious issues. Performance monitoring is critical for making a proper evaluation. The solar lighting component is being supported by additional funding from Taiwan and Canada. Shortage of technically qualified staff within the energy unit is a concern for long term sustainability of these initiatives. • The Samoan project has also reached its end point. The coconut biodiesel pilot plant is set up with two vehicles currently running on biodiesel. This project component has been able to create interest regarding the use of biofuel. The IUCN funded Jatropha curcas assessment of key environmental impacts has been accepted by the government. The LTA has been involved in an awareness campaign regarding energy efficiency. However, it is difficult to find any tangible outcomes of this project component. • The major portion of solar PV system rehabilitation in Tonga was completed in 2009. The activity is now focused on the last unserved island in the Ha’paai group, Lofanga. This project has been able to uplift the living conditions of the islanders by providing clean and efficient lighting. • EESLI has helped project proponents to investigate the impact of energy systems on biodiversity and ecosystems. The J. curcas [as above] in Samoa and EMP study for Talise hydropower in Vanuatu are crucial for projects development. • The special initiatives have been able to impact on the communities involved in many different ways from availability of clean and efficient lighting to gender mainstreaming of energy issues.

Item Type:	Professional and Technical Reports
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Engineering and Physics
Depositing User:	Atul Raturi
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2013 22:02
Last Modified:	16 Jan 2017 02:44
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/4928

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