WG Pacific region

About the Pacific Region working group

Pacific Island Countries face unique challenges when it comes to energy access. Their geographic, social, environmental, and economic features are unlike any other region in the world. That’s why the Pacific Region Working Group was formed with a dual mission:

1. To serve as a conduit for a comprehensive strategy that provides clean energy access in the Pacific, with the aim of replicating a successful strategy throughout Asia.
2. To help other Working Groups access this region by facilitating connections and serving as a conduit for knowledge and information.

Planned Activities:

• Financing renewable energy. When it comes to renewable energy, innovative financing mechanisms are required. An intriguing model for stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems with certified LED lights has been successful in the Solomon Islands. Now the Pacific Region working group looks to finance the deployment of renewable energy through new and existing microfinance platforms, as well as dedicated funding—including an enterprise fund for solar PV in the Pacific.

• Deployment. This working group explores the deployment of solar lanterns, stand-alone solar PV, and hybrid micro-grids run by a combination of solar PV, pico-hydro, biodiesel and biomass gasifiers.

• Diesel efficiency and fuel switching. This group works towards the application of technologies to enhance diesel efficiency, as well as encouraging the switch to alternatives like biofuels. It also catalyzes other efficiency improvements technologies, including waste heat-to-energy, biofuels from coconut oil, palm oil, jatropha or other available sources.
• RescoManager. This working group promotes the development and use of RescoManager software, which assists Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs).

A comprehensive strategy has been developed to address every targeted action through financial structuring, project mobilisation, institutional structures and tools for training, information sharing and the management of the service.

Further Reading

1)“Towards an Energy Secure Pacific” Framework: Consultation with PICT energy officials
May 2010

2) The Pacific Energy Paper
prepared by Scott M Hook for Ausaid
July 2009

The Pacific Energy Paper brings together some of the practical and theoretical issues associated with renewable energy technology usage and development in the Pacific.  Its focus is on renewable energy resources and the associated policy issues related to current dependence on petroleum products.  The paper also examines issues related to grid-connected electricity and urban electricity, as well as non-grid energy requirements for rural and remote areas.