Could solar power be a good investment in the Pacific Islands?

The low cost of solar panels presents an opportunity for investing in solar energy across the Pacific Islands, giving governments in the region a way to curb inflation and promote energy independence. Connecting remote communities to a centralized power grid could be challenging and costly.

Can solar power be used in the Pacific region?

While solar power alone may not be able to fulfil all energy requirements in the Pacific region at this point, it can be supplemented by other renewable sources such as onshore wind and hydropower, depending on the unique circumstances of each island.

Why do small islands need electricity?

Electricity systems on small islands are frequently over-sized, with high reserve power generation capacity and ancillary services needed locally to respond to daily and seasonal fluctuations, such as changes in demand resulting from high and low tourist seasons.

Are island energy transitions sustainable?

Island energy transitions require careful, thoughtful analyses rooted in the realities of cost, grid variability, and resource limitations. While solar and wind energy remain essential building blocks, they cannot alone provide the stability needed for a sustainable energy future.

Could distributed energy resources boost the deployment of renewables on islands?

Distributed energy resources – or small-scale energy resources that are usually situated near sites of electricity use, such as rooftop solar – could play an important role in boosting the deployment of renewables on islands, increasing the security, resilience and affordability of power systems while accelerating decarbonisation.

Does solar make sense in island conditions?

Solar just makes sense in island conditions. Dependence on imported fuels, high electricity costs, increasingly devastating storms, and an urgent need for improved grid resiliency makes solar a clear choice for island nations and territories over the world. Solar just makes sense in island conditions.