Pacific Island countries face significant climate-change challenges, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to vital ecosystems. In response, a clean energy transformation is not just a necessity but a crucial strategy for building resilience and ensuring long-term sustainability. However, there are challenges. Weak private sector participation, a lack of competitive environment, and high capital costs in these countries hinder the development of clean energy projects, leaving efforts fragmented and isolated. 

Singapore, as a Small Island Development States (SIDs) with a dynamic green transition pathway, serves as a valuable model for the Pacific Island countries. The country’s achievements in smart grids, energy efficiency, and green finance —underpinned by a robust policy framework—offer important lessons for other islands facing similar challenges, such as limited land availability and reliance on imported energy. By learning from Singapore’s experience, the Pacific Island countries can accelerate their own green transformation and create a more sustainable energy future. 

To facilitate knowledge sharing and foster collaboration, a regional workshop was co-organized in Singapore from 16 to 18 December 2024 by the UNDP Project for Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-resilient Development, which is funded by the Government of Japan, along with the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development, and the Energy Studies Institute at the National University in Singapore. The workshop brought together 32 energy and policy experts from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Singapore to explore renewable energy integration and energy efficiency through innovative technologies and policies. 

The event provided a platform for Pacific Island countries to not only learn from Singapore’s experiences but also share their own unique challenges and solutions. Dr. Akiko Yamamoto, Regional Team Leader for Environment & Energy with UNDP emphasized, “This workshop is an opportunity to deepen collaboration and stimulate policy dialogue. We hope these discussions can turn into impactful actions. Together, we can unlock new opportunities to enable private sector engagement, scale renewable energy projects, and strengthen energy security and economic growth.” 

In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the delegates presented the experiences from their respective countries. Mr. Kingston Albert, Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Papua New Guinea Power Limited, highlighted, “Our country is highly dependent on thermal power generation, which requires a significant amount of fuel. However, we are fortunate to have abundant river systems with high potential for hydropower. We are actively working on developing hydropower sources, alongside plans for future solar power projects for clean energy.” 

Mr. Christopher Fruean, Acting Chief Engineer of the Quality Assurance and Development Division at the Electric Power Corporation of Samoa, shared, “Samoa is currently focused on solar and battery energy projects in partnership with development organizations. However, our primary concern is securing capital for the grid infrastructure project, as grid stability presents the real challenge.” 

From Timor-Leste, Ms. Arlinda Maria R.F.F. Miranda, General Director of the General Directorate for the Regulation of the Electricity, Water, and Sanitation Sectors emphasized, “Timor-Leste requires increased investment in renewable energy projects, along with capacity-building and a regulatory framework that supports such initiatives. We are working closely with various development partners, including UNDP, to advance renewable energy projects, and believe this collaboration will be beneficial for the country.” 

Discussions focused on key topics such as integrating renewable energy into existing grids, the digitalization of energy systems, and the deployment of advanced technologies like energy storage. Advanced energy storage technologies, which are critical for managing the variability of renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaics, are emerging as a key component of the clean energy transition in Pacific Island countries. The workshop also emphasized the importance of energy efficiency in reducing carbon emissions and highlighted the role of green finance policies in supporting renewable energy infrastructure projects. Mr. Georgewin Garae, Fund Manager of the National Green Energy Fund in Vanuatu, remarked, “We are gaining valuable insights from this workshop, particularly as Singapore is advanced in renewable energy, while Vanuatu is beginning its journey. It's truly enriching to be here and exchange knowledge.”