This week Pacific Forum Leaders discussed a groundbreaking proposal that sets the Pacific up to be the first region powered by 100% Renewable Energy.
Titled “Powering Up The Blue Pacific: How the Pacific can be the world’s first 100% renewable energy region,” the discussion paper spotlights the economic, social and climate benefits of moving Pacific nations away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
Pacific countries currently spend $US 6 billion per year to import diesel fuel, and at least 3.7 million people in the Pacific currently don’t have access to electricity. With the decreasing technology cost of energy sources like solar, accelerating the shift to renewable energy can help the Pacific save billions on imported fuel and off-grid renewables can deliver energy to the 74% of Pacific islanders not serviced by existing grids.
The call for a renewable energy transition was championed by Pacific youth activists at COP28 in Dubai, where a landmark commitment was made to triple renewable energy production worldwide. This call was then taken to the lawns of Australian parliament this year with Pacific diaspora demanding support for a Just Transition for the region. The initiative for a Pacific powered by 100% renewables is led by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau.
Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Deputy Head of Regions says,
“To have this goal presented at the Forum Leaders Meeting is a culmination of ambitious national energy transition plans and clear demands from communities. For years, young Pacific people have dreamt of a future free from the grips of fossil fuels, and Pacific governments are putting the steps in place to make that a reality. Our region continues to show leadership, not only in calling for an end to fossil fuels, but in walking the talk and beginning the Just Energy Transition ourselves.”
Jacynta Fa’amau, 350.org Pacific Campainger says,
“Australia is indicating support for a 100% Renewable Pacific as a COP31 signature initiative, to chart the course for a global renewable energy revolution. Earlier this year, Pacific people in Australia took this demand to the Australian federal elections but we want to see the Albanese government live up to their climate promises, both in terms of renewable energy and in their commitment to the 1.5 degree target. The Pacific is again showing leadership in our ambitious plans for a 100% renewable energy, and Australia needs to do more than just back our leadership – they need to show their own in an end to fossil fuel exports.”
Ivory Vogt, 350.org Palau Coordinator says,
“Renewable energy is not just the right thing to do, it is necessary to sustain our livelihoods as the cost of fuel and imports are increasing and placing an unfair burden on our people.