Energy – Small Island Developing States
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Renewable energy resources on small islands have only recently been considered within the context of long-term energy security. The lack of uptake of renewables to date might be due to historical commitments to fossil fuel-based infrastructure, and a lack of resources to undertake research and development of alternatives.
Those islands that have introduced renewable energy technologies have often done so with support from international development agencies. But significant barriers remain. Potential benefits exist in creating the opportunity for Energy Service Companies, which enter into medium-to-long term, performance-based contracts with energy users, in small islands.
The exploitation of renewable energy is vital to the sustainable development of small islands, although more attention is needs to be paid to the development of energy storage technologies, if rapid transition from conventional fuels is to be achieved in an efficient manner. This is especially important in the case of intermittent energy sources (e.g. solar and wind), as the cost of current storage technologies can frustrate achievement of full conversion to renewable energy. Thus to avoid the possibility of maladaptation in the sector, countries may wish to engage in comprehensive planning, including considerations relating to energy storage.
