WWEC 2013 side-event: “Sustainable Deployment of Renewable Energy in Islands”

Island environments create specific opportunities and challenges, requiring tailored solutions for the integration of renewable energy technologies. Scattered populations and relatively difficult access to conventional energy sources often make renewables an economically viable option in island environments. However, various factors, including the lack of institutional, technical and financing skills and expertise, have historically hindered the deployment of renewable energy.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) organised a side-event on islands in collaboration with the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) as part of the World Wind Energy Conference, WWEC 2013, in Havana, Cuba. The aim of the 3 June meeting was to present IRENA’s work to aid in renewable energy deployment on islands and to gather feedback from policy makers and project developers.

IRENA has addressed the challenges of renewable energy deployment in islands through several initiatives, including:

• a global island network for sharing best practices in renewable energy deployment;
• a platform for training, education and skill development in the sector (see also www.irelp.org);
• a grid stability assessment for island power grids;
• an interactive software tool for project developers;
• an analysis of off-grid applications of renewable energy in islands.

(Highlights of each presentation are available through the links.)

The meeting attracted 40 participants from governments, international organisations, academia, consultancies and industry associations. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion among the participants, who welcomed IRENA’s attention to island challenges and provided feedback for further improvement. 
The meeting agenda is also available.