New Project In Nauru, Niue and Tuvalu: Local Energy Markets

New Project In Nauru, Niue and Tuvalu to Motivate Local’s Engagement with Energy Market

1    Photo: IUCN. Students of Motufoua Secondary School  in Tuvalu are already benefitting from a successful solar power IUCN project.

Suva, Fiji, 14 June 2013 (IUCN) – The recent launch of the Low Carbon Energy Islands project, by IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Global Environment Facility, will encourage households in Nauru, Niue and Tuvalu to be active participants in the energy market.

Innovative and inclusive, the project is designed to work with households and local businesses to build sustainable markets for renewable energy and energy efficient products.

The opening workshop, held last month,  has started a process that helps the countries move to low carbon societies, while considering their circumstances. As the three smallest economies in the Pacific, the countries will use their resources and skills to generate local business for energy products.

“The small island states are increasingly recognising their value, and this project builds upon the ability of Pacific Island countries to create their own opportunities,” says Taholo Kami, Regional Director for IUCN Oceania. “Success in this project can be a gift to larger countries, by showing how remote communities can increase their self-sufficiency.”

The project has three components. Firstly is reviewing the strategic direction for the energy sector, identifying cost-effective and practical options, and building partnerships. Secondly is financial incentives, so as to positively motivate participation in the market for renewables and energy efficient equipment. The third and final component addresses issues of sustainability, through capacity building and knowledge sharing that will maximise the benefits of the financial incentives.

This project aims to change behaviours towards energy use and assist people to make wise energy choices.

Increasing participation in energy markets can be as simple as choosing more efficient appliances, or installing solar PV on the roof of houses. With the right information and incentives, this can bring a sustainable market to the islands.

ENDS

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