Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges when it comes to energy transition. From my experience, SIDS in the Caribbean are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. We grapple with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing our vulnerable position in the face of climate change, and our overall minuscule contribution to the global emissions output. A just transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is not only a sustainable choice but also a way to secure a more resilient future. Here I try to explore the journey of a hypothetical SIDS in transitioning from a grid supported by natural gas to one powered by solar and wind energy.

Our hypothetical small island nation, ‘Paradise Island’, relies 100% on natural gas for its energy needs. This is a common scenario among many SIDS, due to limited access to fuel oil and the logistical challenges of securing them. While natural gas is relatively cleaner than coal or oil, it is still a fossil fuel and contributes to carbon emissions. Paradise Island recognizes the need to shift its energy sources to renewable alternatives, such as solar and wind.

A just transition aims to ensure that the process of moving to renewable energy sources is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. For Paradise Island, this means considering the needs of all stakeholders: the workforce, local communities, and the environment.

1. Re-skilling and Job Transition: To achieve a just transition, Paradise Island invests in retraining and retooling the workforce. This includes capacity in the renewable energy sector and ensuring that those previously employed in the natural gas industry have access to new job opportunities. This approach mitigates the negative impacts on employees who may face job displacement during the transition.
2. Community Engagement: Local communities on the frontlines are involved in the decision-making process. Paradise Island conducts outreach programs to inform residents about the benefits of renewable energy and listens to their concerns. Engaging with communities ensures that the transition does not negatively impact their daily lives.
3. Environmental Preservation: Paradise Island takes steps to preserve its natural environment during the transition. Special care is taken when installing wind turbines and solar panels to minimize disruption to ecosystems. Sustainable practices, such as reforestation and conservation, are also prioritised.

Within these three main considerations, Paradise Island’s transition to renewable energy primarily focuses on harnessing the power of the sun and wind. The island embraces solar energy by installing solar panels on rooftops, in open spaces, and even on the water surface. Solar farms and distributed solar generation provide a stable source of clean electricity. Paradise Island makes use of its coastal location to tap into wind energy. Wind turbines dot the landscape, particularly along the island’s shores where the wind is strongest. These turbines generate electricity as they capture the kinetic energy of the wind but also take into consideration bird species and exposure to extreme weather.

The shift to solar and wind energy brings numerous benefits to Paradise Island:

1. Reduced Carbon Emissions: With natural gas on the decline, the island significantly lowers its carbon footprint, contributing and becoming exemplary to global efforts to combat climate change.
2. Energy Independence: Paradise Island becomes less reliant on fossil fuels, which can be costly and environmentally debilitating. Renewable energy sources and well designed systems provide a more stable and secure energy supply.
3. Economic Opportunities: The renewable energy sector creates new job opportunities, diversifying the island’s economy. Tourism and green technology industries are likely to benefit from this transition.
4. Climate Resilience: As a small island nation, Paradise Island is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. By adopting renewable energy sources, the island is better prepared for a future with increasingly erratic weather patterns and sea-level rise.

The just transition to solar and wind energy in our hypothetical small island nation, Paradise Island, represents a model for SIDS worldwide. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, engaging local communities, and protecting the environment, Paradise Island demonstrates how sustainable change can be both achievable and equitable. As the global community races to stop climate change, the example set by Paradise Island serves as an inspiration for other small island developing states to embark on their own journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.