Honiara, Solomon Islands

A new discussion paper released today on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting outlines how the Pacific could become the first region in the world to be powered entirely by renewable energy.

The report, Powering Up the Blue Pacific: How the Pacific can be the world’s first 100% renewable energy region, was officially launched in Honiara by Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change, Energy & Environment, and Taholo Kami, Pacific climate and ocean champion. The paper includes a foreword from President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau.

The discussion paper finds that Pacific island countries could save billions of dollars by switching from imported fossil fuels to locally sourced renewable energy. The transition would cut fuel bills, expand access to electricity, create new jobs, and free up national budgets for sustainable development.

Leadership from the Pacific

President Whipps underscored the region’s leadership by example:

“Palau and our brothers and sisters in the Pacific contribute the least to global emissions, however, we suffer the most from the climate crisis… the best form of leadership is leadership by example.”

Pacific Island countries on average spend between 10 and 25% of their GDP on importing fossil fuels, with some dedicating 40% or more of national budgets towards buying diesel for power generation and transport.

Building Towards COP31

With Australia in partnership with the Pacific bidding to host COP31 in 2026, leaders see this as a pivotal moment. President Whipps said that bringing COP to the Pacific would allow the world to “witness both the climate crisis and Pacific leadership to tackle the crisis.” He added that a partnership for a 100% Renewable Pacific could be a landmark outcome of the summit, attracting vital international investment.

Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change, Energy & Environment, Ralph Regenvanu reinforced the urgency of the transition:

“We need wealthy countries and major polluters to do their share. That means an immediate end to new or expanded fossil fuel projects and setting a real plan to phase out fossil fuels.”

About the Paper

The discussion paper is a collaboration between Island Minds Ltd (Vanuatu), the Smart Energy Council (Australia), and the Renewable Energy Council Asia-Pacific. It sets out practical pathways to achieve a fully renewable Pacific.

The paper is a collaboration between Island Minds Ltd (Vanuatu), the Smart Energy Council (Australia), and the Renewable Energy Council Asia-Pacific. It sets out practical pathways to achieve a fully renewable Pacific.

Download the discussion starter

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192