(contenu disponible en anglais uniquement)
Senior energy officials, experts, and development partners from across the Pacific region gathered today in Nadi, Fiji, for the commencement of the Pacific Regional Energy Meeting Series.
The week-long series of meetings includes the Senior Energy Officials Meeting (SEOM), Waste-to-Energy Symposium, and Pacific Women in Energy Conference, aims to address critical energy challenges and advance sustainable solutions for Pacific Island nations.
Currently 64 per cent of Pacific peoples lack access to regular energy supply and the challenges are especially acute for households in rural areas where less than 60 per cent of households are connected to grid electricity.
The SEOM’s primary focus is to advance the goals set forth in the Efate Outcome Statement from the 5th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers Meeting (PRETMM), held in Port Vila, Vanuatu in May 2023.
Based on country presentations, there was a clear call for development and donor partners to align their support with national energy priorities, enhance coordination among themselves, and invest in long-term, sustainable energy solutions that address the specific challenges faced by Pacific Island nations. This includes increased funding for renewable energy projects, capacity-building initiatives, and technology transfer to help bridge the energy access gap and accelerate the transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources across the region.
Echoing these statements, the new Chair of the Senior Energy Officials Meeting and Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Energy Authority, Mr Ronald Meteka said, "Our discussions have made it clear that alignment between donor support and national energy priorities is crucial. We call on our development partners to work closely with Pacific nations to ensure their investments truly address our unique challenges and support our long-term vision for sustainable energy."
He added, “The path to energy security in the Pacific requires substantial, sustained investment in renewable energy projects and capacity building. We urge our donor partners to commit to long-term funding strategies that will enable us to bridge the energy access gap and accelerate our transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources across the region."
Participants will also have the opportunity to review commitments and progress made by Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs), Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies and development partners.
Australian representative Sam Wagstaff, from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, in his remarks highlighted Australia's support for the region's energy transition.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the key to transformative change is through collaboration and genuine partnerships - and by taking opportunities like we have this week to share ideas and knowledge," said Wagstaff.
As the regional mandated organisation on energy security, Ms. Rhonda Robinson, Director of the Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division at the Pacific Community (SPC) emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in her opening remarks.
"As we embark on this week of crucial discussions and knowledge-sharing, I encourage all participants to actively engage in the dialogues and workshops that follow," said Robinson.
She added, "Your insights, experiences, and contributions are invaluable as we work together to shape a sustainable and equitable energy future for the Pacific."
The meeting series highlights the Pacific's commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency, enhancing energy security, and ensuring equitable access to clean, affordable energy. It also underscores the role of innovative solutions and strong partnerships in achieving these goals.
As the region faces significant energy challenges, this meeting series represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Pacific Island nations. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape policy directions and foster increased collaboration in the pursuit of clean, affordable, and secure energy for all Pacific communities.
The Pacific Regional Energy Meetings Series are supported by the Australian Government, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, New Zealand Government and the Pacific Women Lead Programme of the SPC. The meeting series ends on Friday 27 September 2024.