Pacific nations are aiming to transition to 100 percent renewable energy within the next 15 years, a commitment highlighted at the recent Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland. The two-day conference featured ministers and senior executives from various countries, including Samoa, Niue, Fiji, Nauru, Cook Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, who explored the renewable energy sector in the region.
The discussions emphasized four key areas: construction, market integration, financing, and asset management, all aimed at integrating renewable energy into their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and reducing dependence on fossil fuels within a decade to 15 years.
The United Nations reports that fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil make up over 80 percent of global energy production, significantly contributing to climate change. As the Pacific nations face profound vulnerability to climate-related impacts, they are increasingly prioritizing a switch to sustainable energy sources.
Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Lands, remarked on the promising advancements in battery storage technology for solar energy, highlighting the challenges of energy stability during the transition.
In 2012, ministers from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) adopted the Barbados Declaration, committing to renewable energy targets. Several Pacific Island Countries set a goal of producing 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. Tokelau made history in 2013 by becoming the first territory powered entirely by solar energy, which currently meets 75 percent of its electricity needs, significantly cutting down on diesel imports.
Rokoseru Nabalarua, chair of Energy Fiji, expressed that ocean technology has the potential to become a vital energy resource for the Pacific, proposing harnessing ocean currents as an alternative to solar and wind energy. He noted the dual benefit of generating power while also exploring hydrogen fuels.
The challenges posed by severe weather often disrupt fossil fuel supplies to the islands, leading to power outages. In light of this, renewable energy sources like solar are crucial for maintaining energy access.
Niue’s finance minister, Crossley Tatui, shared that knowledge gained from the summit, along with their new power station, would enhance the island’s resilience. Tatui expressed confidence that the station would support the upcoming 50-year celebrations.
New Zealand’s National MP, Stuart Smith, urged Pacific nations to leverage local resources, emphasizing the need for investment over mere financial donations. He suggested converting existing diesel generators to biomethane to support energy self-sufficiency in the region.