Could distributed energy resources boost the deployment of renewables on islands?

Distributed energy resources – or small-scale energy resources that are usually situated near sites of electricity use, such as rooftop solar – could play an important role in boosting the deployment of renewables on islands, increasing the security, resilience and affordability of power systems while accelerating decarbonisation.

Do IEA islands need resilient power systems?

Islands need resilient power systems more than ever. Clean energy can deliver – Analysis - IEA Islands need resilient power systems more than ever.

Why do small islands need a new energy infrastructure?

Islands – including those that make up the group known as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – also need to upgrade their energy infrastructure so that it is resilient to higher temperatures, more frequent natural disasters and flooding related to rising sea levels.

Do small islands need a lot of space?

Shah of the University of Delaware points out that while a lack of space is often cited as a constraint for installing renewables on small islands, the efficiency of both solar and wind energy has improved markedly over the last decade, meaning less space is needed. Meanwhile, islands are exploring technologies to harness energy at sea.

Could geothermal power power a small island?

While most small islands will have to rely on intermittent solar or wind power, others are blessed with significant geothermal or hydroelectric potential that could provide a baseload electricity supply, and could conceivably follow the paths of Iceland and New Zealand.

Are small island developing states a net energy importer?

Challenges to Energy Security The vast majority of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are net energy importers of fossil fuels and have historically been so (Timilsina & Shah, 2016; Niles & Lloyd, 2013).