The Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative (GSEII) is a consortium of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multi-lateral institutions that have been working with Alliance Of Small Island States (AOSIS) nations to mitigate barriers and transform their energy systems from fossil-fuel-based to sustainable energy systems. 

The GSEII Consortium seeks to accelerate the transition of up to 20 AOSIS member nations toward cleaner, more sustainable energy use. Specific objectives of the project include: reducing dependence on fossil fuels and eliminating related trade deficits, securing energy independence, reducing negative impacts on local environments, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging private investment and trade, enhancing socioeconomic development, and presenting the island nations’ experiences as an example for larger countries to follow toward a sustainable energy path. 

GSEII’s strength is its ability to work at the national level to develop a strategic framework for sustainable energy development in the islands— including the necessary policy and regulatory environment, institutional capacity, outreach and awareness, and project support— that will condition the local markets for more effective project and program implementation by other public and private sector donors and investors.

In the Caribbean, several projects and programs have been undertaken to address significant barriers to renewable energy development. Phase I GSEII interventions, with support from Rockefeller Brothers Fund, US Agency for International Development, US Department of Energy and the Organization of American States, have proven successful in catalyzing this transition in the Caribbean, particularly in the island states of St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.

Each of these states has partnered in the development and implementation of sustainable energy plans that identify project and program activities to increase utilization of sustainable energy options; recommend appropriate policy, regulatory and incentive measures; establish targets and timetables for action; develop industry capability and partners for project design and implementation; and assist in securing financing and investment sources.