GSEII - Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative

The Republic of the Marshall Islands, a nation of scattered reefs and atolls in the North Pacific, is under grave threat from climate change and an accompanying issue: sea level rise. With its highest point standing at a mere thirty feet, the Islands’ existence is in danger of submersion as industrialized countries continue to equivocate their attempts to tackle global warming.

This group of islands is favorably located to supply its energy needs from the fierce tropical sun. Notably, the government of the Marshall Islands has implemented extensive solar energy projects to electrify homes, workplaces and other facilities. These projects have assisted the Marshall Islands in becoming a formidable power in the effort to utilize small islands’ abundant solar energy resources. The Climate Institute is assisting the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Marshall Islands to raise funds for the implementation of their broad based and ambitious Renewable Energy Program.

GSEII projects in the Marshall Islands

Energy Efficient Lighting Program

The Marshall Islands have been particularly hard-hit by rising electricity rates over the past few years, a situation that lends itself to the need for energy alternatives that will reduce dependence on high-cost fuels from which this energy is produced. According to the Marshall Islands' Chamber of Commerce, electricity rates rose from 12 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2005, a steep price for residents who earn an average of two dollars per day.

In order to alleviate some of these high costs, particularly among residents of low-income areas, GSEII is collaborating with the Government of the Marshall Islands to promote the use of energy-efficient light bulbs. These bulbs will reduce the amount of energy consumed to produce light, decreasing the amount of money spent to generate it. This project will originate on the island of Majuro, for which maps have been created to target those areas most in need of efficient lighting technology.

The UK-based organization Climate Care is providing 10,000 energy-efficient light bulbs for the Energy Efficient Lighting Program, which will be distributed to government buildings, schools, and houses.

Solar (Photovoltaic) and Copra (bio-fuel) Projects

ADMIRE presentation (PDF, 139 KB)

Solar:

Renewable energy is the most appropriate long-term alternative source to replace imported petroleum products for electricity production in the Marshall Islands. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is already technically and financially attractive for relatively small remote island demands when properly planned, operated, and maintained. Solar is especially viable in these islands due to the high cost of imported petroleum from distant markets.

GSEII will be working with the Marshall Islands to expand the use of photovoltaic technology, thus improving the quality of life for the Marshallese while helping the Marshall Islands to reduce carbon emissions.

Bio-fuel/Copra:

Considered the “tree of life” by locals, the coconut tree is vital to the ecosystem of the area, and the drying of coconut kernels to make copra (the dried white flesh from which coconut oil is made) is a major source of income for rural families. As a substitute for diesel, the Marshalls Energy Company aims to develop small generators from 5 kWh to 50 kWh that run on this bio-fuel to work synergistically with solar-powered systems, providing electricity for high load appliances not requiring 24-hour power generation such as freezers and washers. This will grant even greater flexibility for the rural Marshallese.