International aid and sustainable energy futures in the Pacific Islands

Energy issues in the Pacific Island region not only provide constraints on the socio-economic development of Pacific Island states, but are also a cause of local environmental degradation. Proven renewable energy is the most appropriate energy source for the needs of Pacific Island nations. Since the early 1980s, the region has made significant efforts towards developing indigenous renewable energy resources. However, until now, most of the renewable energy systems have not been successful due to many limitations. -- International aid can play an important role in promoting sustainable energy systems in the Pacific Island region. This research focuses on the examination of donors' policies and practices in international assistance for renewable energy in the region. -- The main methods adopted in the research include: developing a framework for sustainable energy policymaking in the region, case studies, a survey of international aid, and analysis of Australia's foreign aid policies and relevant domestic policy issues. Accordingly, this research contributes to providing analysis and recommendations with respect to international aid for developing sustainable energy systems in the Pacific Island region. Evaluation of Australian international aid policies and activities with respect to encouraging sustainable energy in the region is also carried out. -- In the future, the island nations, developed countries and international organisations need to consider the following policy approaches: (i) the Pacific Island nations need to initially adopt ecologically sustainable energy policies; (ii) international aid needs to be refocused on promoting recipients' capabilities in terms of self-reliance and sustainable development and aid needs to be given to promote sustainable energy systems; (iii) the governments of donor countries need to positively encourage their own sustainable energy industries by reforming economic and industrial structures and energy market systems through effective national legislation and policies; and finally (iv) human resources, institutional development, financial and technical assistance, local community involvement, joint ventures, bilateral and multilateral assistance, aid efficiency, and the role of non-government organisations need to be enhanced.