Paths of renewable energy development in small island developing states of the South Pacific

Michalena, E. and Hills, Jeremy M. (2018) Paths of renewable energy development in small island developing states of the South Pacific. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82 . pp. 343-352. ISSN 1364-0321

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Abstract

Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) are small and remote island economies highly reliant on fossil
fuels. Although they are mainly self-governing nations, they are highly vulnerable to exogenous events such as
global fuel price volatility and tropical cyclones. The work presented here targets 12 PSIDS located in the South
Pacific. The analysis takes a functional approach to assess the state of the energy governance system and to
determine its relationship to renewable energy (RE) penetration. Using a suite of governance, market and financial progress indicators, a range of RE preparedness levels was identified in PSIDS. Analysis demonstrated
that strengthening of RE enabling indicators led to only a limited increase of RE penetration; consequently, the
region has fallen behind global rates of RE uptake. Inward investment by development partners for RE demonstration projects failed to be upscaled by government-facilitated private sector. The focus on mitigating global climate change has failed to put RE into a local context; this contrasts to the strong “sense of place” and spiritual-nature of traditional Pacific communities. Thus, in energy terms, PSIDS are yet to attain a self-defined energy identity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > Institute of Marine Resources
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	27 Sep 2017 03:56
Last Modified:	27 Sep 2017 03:56
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/10193

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