The structural vulnerabilities of small islands developing states (SIDS), such as higher costs associated with energy generation, water and food supply, waste management and disposal, and over-dependence on external services, are being compounded by accelerating impacts of climate change. It has become increasingly urgent to scale up renewable energy sources to ensure the security of their economies and environments, as well as a sustainable future for their communities.

A diversified mix of renewables and storage solutions, in a decentralized and smart grid approach, can represent an effective means for both mitigation and adaptation to climate change, while also creating more resilient and less costly power systems, as well as socio-economic development opportunities for local communities.

SIDS can be ideal testbeds to showcase the technical and economic feasibility of transitioning towards fully decarbonized energy systems, starting from power generation. Clean electricity can also provide a basis for decarbonizing other key sectors of the islands’ economy, such as water and transportation. However, surpassing high levels of renewable electricity penetration in islands’ power mixes to reach 100%, is particularly challenging and requires adequate power grids and storage systems to ensure flexibility and stability, as well as proper legislative and regulatory frameworks. Through building concrete case studies on islands, we can generate best practices and recommendations for other islands worldwide.

Join us at COP28 to learn more about new initiatives in this context from representatives of frontrunner islands and key global stakeholders and discover the role renewables can play to empower island communities around the globe to accelerate their energy transition, stimulate their economies, and become models for the mainland.

In the lead up to the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, hosted by Antigua and Barbuda on 27-30 May 2024, this event will provide practical solutions to help SIDS toward their commitment to transition to renewable energy.