Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative

While Small Island Developing States (SIDS) produce only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, many, because of their location barely above sea level, are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as sea level rise and extreme weather conditions. Compounding their climate change challenge, small island nations struggle with expensive fossil fuel imports and an inability to supply electricity in rural areas. However, these nations are especially suited to utilize combinations of modern renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency due to the availability of renewable energy resources and current energy consumption patterns.

The Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative (GSEII), a consortium of international NGOs and multi-lateral institutions, has been organized to support the interest of all small island states and potential donors by bringing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, models, and concepts together in a sustainable plan for small island nations. The GSEII seeks to showcase national efforts to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Recent efforts by the GSEII have focused on the island nations of St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. Following a collaborative process with senior policy makers and a wide range of energy stakeholders in St. Lucia, a National Sustainable Energy Plan was adopted, establishing aggressive targets for renewables and energy efficiency, and setting the stage for significant changes in the energy sector. GSEII is currently working with Dominica and Grenada in the development of similar Plans. Highlighting the accomplishments of the GSEII and the collaborating countries, senior government representatives from St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica discussed their clean energy commitments at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. Continuing efforts in the region will include the organization of a regional conference on renewable energy (Nov. 4-5; with Carilec - the regional association of electric utilities) and additional bilateral initiatives.

Partners

Climate Institute

1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20036 USA

Phone: 1 202 547 0104

Fax: 1 202 547 0111

E-mail: [email protected]

www.climate.org

Counterpart International

1200 18th St., NW Suite 1100

Washington, D.C. 20036 USA

Phone: 1 202 296 9676