Sustainable Energy for Island Economies:
A High Impact Opportunity of SE4ALL – Vision 20/30
This session, moderated by Nasir Khattak, Climate Institute, presented the global programme “Sustainable Energy for Island Economies,” launched in 2000 and included in 2012 as one of the “high impact opportunities” under the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, with some panelists showcasing projects from their island states.
For Sustainable Energy for Island Economies, Pradeep Monga, UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), called for: a systems-wide approach that addresses the energy-food-water nexus; political commitment, a coherent policy framework, private sector engagement and strong partnerships; and financial and technical assistance, and capacity building.
Heherson Alvarez, Senator, the Philippines, highlighted renewable energy planning underway in the island province of Bohol, emphasizing that political leaders are ready to take the necessary steps to green the island as its economy grows, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Aliki Faipule Kelisiano Kalolo, Minister for Economic Development, Natural Resources and the Environment, non-self-governing territory of Tokelau, New Zealand, joined the panel by Skype. He announced the completion, in October 2012, of a renewable energy project that allows Tokelau’s three atolls to be entirely powered by solar energy.
Alexander Ochs, Worldwatch Institute, presented Worldwatch’s work on sustainable energy roadmaps, offering examples of his organization’s ongoing and planned work, including wind and solar roadmaps for the Dominican Republic. He outlined the steps involved in developing these roadmaps, involving technical, socioeconomic, finance and policy assessments leading to policy recommendations.
Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, UNDP, said that small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean are highly indebted, have excessively high fuel import costs and are extremely vulnerable to climate change. She underscored that the move towards sustainable energy is imperative in order for the states to develop long term economic, health and education progammes. Tom Hawat, Pangaeon, introduced the development of a resort on Banana Island, off the coast of Doha, which will incorporate solar energy and water recycling.
Alexander Ochs, Worldwatch Institute, presented Worldwatch’s work on sustainable energy roadmaps, offering examples of his organization’s ongoing and planned work, including wind and solar roadmaps for the Dominican Republic. He outlined the steps involved in developing these roadmaps, involving technical, socioeconomic, finance and policy assessments leading to policy recommendations.
Harry Verhaar, Philips Lighting, stated the lighting sector is one of the first to become entirely sustainable, noting the Enlighten Initiative and several breakthrough projects, including: LED street and flood lighting; smoke-free cook stoves; and rural healthcare models.
In discussions, panelists considered how changing oil prices would affect the growth of the renewable energy sector and the potential for a price on carbon to support their continued development.
You can find my presentation [here].
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