9 November 2017
Electricity generation in most Island States is dependent on imported refined petroleum products. This dependence, combined with long supply chains and limited purchasing power means that Small Island Developing States have some of the highest electricity generation costs in the world. In comparison, generation from photovoltaics (PV) and wind can be much less expensive, making a strong economic case for a transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
Numerous islands have shown that this transition is technically feasible, with high shares of renewable energy successfully integrated on numerous islands across the world. Kodiak island in the U.S. State of Alaska has met over 99% of its annual electricity demand with renewables since 2014, by using hydro and wind power combined with battery and flywheel electricity storage. King island in Tasmania, Australia has a power system designed to deliver 65% of annual generation using PV and wind generation coupled with storage. In addition, numerous small islands around the world have used solar PV coupled with battery storage to support high shares of renewable electricity.
This lecture illustrated the economic and technical case for Islands moving to renewable based energy systems and detailed how IRENA engages with Island governments around the world to support their energy.
