Pacific Island countries gather to explore energy systems transformation

Pacific Island countries and territories, and development partners are meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, to discuss the increase in the use of renewable energy.

According to IRENA, key speakers will discuss comprehensive approaches to energy sector transformation, including the importance of enabling legal and regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and financing.

The workshop will examine a number of Pacific case studies, including clean energy initiatives in Hawaii.

The insights gained from this meeting are expected to provide Pacific island countries and territories with expanded knowledge of pathways to hasten uptake of renewable energy opportunities.

Director of the SPC’s Economic Development Division John Hogan said: “Transforming Pacific island energy system is not only about putting in more renewable energy installations. It is also about creating a conducive environment to facilitate the development and generation of renewable energy. This must go hand in hand with an innovative approach to financing and accelerating ways of utilising emerging energy sources.”

Roughly 80 participants plan to attend the workshop, including senior representatives from Pacific Island countries and territories energy departments, power utilities, energy regulators, academia, development partners and the private sector, IRENA’s press release reads.

The workshop is organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in partnership with the US Department of State, that is also funding the workshop, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The Pacific Community is an international development organisation with 26 member countries and territories, that aims to help Pacific Island people respond effectively to the challenges they face and make informed decisions about their future.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.

Image: flickr/Edmund Garman