Renewable energy targets in small island developing states

Climate change, combined with recent geopolitical developments, has sent shockwaves throughout the global economy, magnifying concerns around energy security, food security and weather-related disasters. Small island developing states (SIDS), which are amongst the lowest emitters worldwide, are most at risk from these potential threats. However, they are increasingly employing ambitious plans to deploy renewable energy in order to secure its multiple benefits.

This technical paper presents a quantification of SIDS’ renewable energy targets, both in their national energy plans and in their NDCs, comparing commitments made within their national policies and plans with those that extend to the Paris Agreement framework. The conditionality of commitments is explored, where applicable highlighting the urgent need to mobilise international support to SIDS in the form of financing, technology transfer and technical assistance, to help meet their renewable energy commitments.