Enhancing Energy Resilience in Small Island Developing States
What are the climate vulnerabilities of energy systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)? How can adaptation solutions implemented by several island nations be replicated to mitigate this vulnerability?
Small Island Developing States and other small islands are on the frontlines of climate change. They are exposed to the most adverse effects of global warming and when it comes to their energy systems, SIDS’ geographically isolated nature means that their energy infrastructure and operations need to be developed with resilience at the forefront.
Characteristics of energy systems in SIDS
The energy system infrastructure in SIDS today is typically based on imported fossil fuels and centralized power generation. In the electricity sector, SIDS commonly utilize vulnerable overhead transmission and distribution systems to carry electricity to users. Although a more cost-effective option to install and maintain, these overhead lines are vulnerable as they are exposed during severe weather events.
The small and isolated nature of most SIDS adds additional challenges to their energy systems. There is typically not a larger grid or nearby energy resources to connect to, so each island must generate and distribute its own electricity to meet its needs while balancing priorities of cost, reliability, emissions impact and more.
Enhancing resilience
Integrating resource and resilience plans
Electricity sector system planning has traditionally been done through Integrated Resource Plans, which electric utility companies typically lead. In recent years, SIDS have expanded this practice to include other key stakeholders and to mainstream resilience. The resulting plans have received different names including Resilient National Energy Transition Strategies or Integrated Resource and Resilience Plans.
In 2018, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the local electric utility FortisTCI came together to complete their first integrated energy and resilience planning process. The inclusive nature of the process meant that the government and utility aligned on their priorities for the future of their electricity system including recommendations towards reduced electricity costs, continued reliability of service, reducing emissions, and improving overall resilience.
Decentralizing and diversifying sources to improve system resilience
A more decentralized approach in the energy sector can enhance resilience to external shocks. This makes critical facility microgrids a key adaptation opportunity. In 2022, solar PV and battery storage microgrids were installed at two schools in Dominica. The systems provide more than 60% of their energy needs, while being able to maintain power during an outage. Many SIDS lie within regions of the world that receive significant sunshine, making solar photovoltaic (PV) a top option for renewable energy. Other options include wind, hydro, or geothermal resources.
Another increasingly significant element in resilient energy systems is the Battery Energy Storage System. In addition to the key ability to store energy for later use, batteries are critical to the successful integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Apart from mainstreaming resilience at the system level, it is also important to analyze each component of the energy system and make each project more resilient and adapted to climate change impacts. This should include design considerations for high wind situations, locating distribution lines underground, and other specific resilience considerations in the preparation phase.
Broader benefits of enhancing energy resilience
Integration of resilient, renewable energy systems into SIDS’ economies can provide cost reductions in a number of areas. Cheap, indigenous renewable energy sources can replace expensive, imported fossil fuels resulting in significant savings. In Montserrat for instance, a 1.1 MW solar PV and 1.1 MWh battery storage system is able to meet 40% of demand on sunny days, resulting in a 12–14% reduction in fuel costs annually.
Resilient energy systems have the potential to also be more equitable energy systems – allowing more people to have access to consistent sources of electricity and resulting in fewer disruptions in the event of severe weather. An initiative focused on energy and water began in Vanuatu in 2019, with an aim to increase the resilience of rural communities to climate change impacts such as severe droughts and tropical cyclones. It involved installing solar-powered water pumping systems to provide sustainable access to potable water. By harnessing solar energy, the project addressed water scarcity, improved water quality, and strengthened community capacity to manage water resources, thereby enhancing overall climate resilience in these vulnerable areas.
The way forward
For SIDS, which are on the frontlines of climate change, adaptation in the energy sector means building resilience to severe weather events, largely through a transition to renewable energy. Replacing imported, volatile fossil fuels with clean, domestic sources of energy can provide many benefits for SIDS in resilience and overall sustainable development. Policies centered around incorporating resilience into energy system planning, decentralization of energy generation, diversification of energy sources, and effective use of energy storage can be helpful for improving resilience at the wider energy system level. At the project level, methods for building resilience include leveraging technology for strategic project planning, incorporating best practices for the design and installation of hurricane-resistant solar PV systems, and undergrounding power lines where possible. Increasing the resilience of the energy sector through adoption of renewables also provides wider benefits including fuel cost savings, improved energy equity, and opportunities for sustainable development in other sectors like transport and agriculture.
Based on chapter ‘Energy’ by Zsaria Diaz, Kaitlyn Bunker, and Justin Locke (Rocky Mountain Institute [RMI])
The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action – they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.
