As with many Pacific Islands, Vanuatu faces a number of fuel challenges, the main one being its high dependency on imported fossil fuels. The constraints of the geography, with its population distributed over 65 islands and spread over more than 12,000 km2, makes this an expensive and laborious option.
Diesel oil, which accounts for the largest share of fuel imports (63%), covers over 80% of all electricity generated. The result is very low electrification rates and among the highest fuel prices in the region. In 2015, this situation has been exacerbated by an earthquake, a volcano eruption and the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam, one of the most powerful storms to rip through the south Pacific.
The renewable energy NAMA serves as a catalyst for transformational change in the energy sector and recovery mechanism by establishing solar-powered micro-grids and grid extensions. The intervention will benefit rural communities, agricultural facilities as well as health centres and schools while also boosting recovery for the tourism sector. Communities will enjoy access to electricity for lighting, cooling and appliances, including radio and phone charging, and power for productive activities in newly established Rural Productivity Zones.
The NAMA was developed by Vanuatu’s Department of Energy Ministry of Climate Change and Natural Hazards and the UNDP MDG Carbon Programme with the generous support from the Government of Australia. Through the generous support of the Austrian Government, the project is now under implementation.
Highlights
- LDC
- SIDS
- SDGs
- Solar
- NAMA
- Energy
- Mitigation
- Renewables
- Climate Finance
- Climate Change
- Local Economic Development