The Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derek Rawcliffe Manuari, has stressed that tailored support for renewable energy projects in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is critical to achieving an inclusive and sustainable global energy transition.
Minister Manuari made these remarks while delivering the Solomon Islands’ national statement at the 16th Session of the IRENA Assembly, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, 11 January 2025.
He underscored that renewable energy support must be context-specific, reflecting the unique circumstances and development challenges faced by SIDS and LDCs. In particular, he highlighted the need for targeted assistance in project preparation, financing, and bankability, where many vulnerable countries continue to face systemic barriers.
“The Solomon Islands continues to face significant energy challenges,” Minister Manuari said.
“These include extremely low national electricity access, high energy costs, and a heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, which currently account for more than 90 per cent of our primary energy supply.
“These challenges are further exacerbated by our archipelagic geography, which increases infrastructure costs and complicates service delivery.”
Despite these challenges, the Minister noted that the Solomon Islands is richly endowed with renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar, ocean energy and bioenergy.
“Harnessing these resources prudently is essential to ensuring sustainable economic and social development,” he added.
“While our renewable potential is significant, access to electricity remains low. The energy transition for SIDS like Solomon Islands must therefore be practical, inclusive and people-centred.”
Minister Manuari emphasised that for Solomon Islands and other SIDS, the energy transition goes beyond emissions reduction.
“For Solomon Islands and other SIDS, the energy transition is not just about decarbonisation; it is about survival, resilience and dignity.
“A just transition means affordable access, stronger communities, and resilient energy systems that can withstand the next cyclone.”
The Minister called for SIDS-specific financial solutions, including highly concessional and blended finance mechanisms supported by de-risking instruments and simplified access procedures.
“We call for SIDS-specific, highly concessional and blended finance, backed by de-risking tools and simplified access, and for stronger regional procurement, planning and emergency support across our islands,” he said.
Minister Manuari also commended the work of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), particularly in advancing energy transition pathways for SIDS through initiatives such as the SIDS Lighthouse Initiative.
He echoed the sentiments of the IRENA Director-General that energy security, climate change and inequality are part of the same equation.
“We firmly believe that solutions must focus on clean energy demand and be underpinned by targeted physical, legal, institutional and financial infrastructure to enable rapid and equitable deployment—especially in the Pacific,” he stated.
He concluded by inviting development partners to work with Solomon Islands in ways that strengthen long-term national capacity.
“We invite IRENA, multilateral development banks, climate funds and the private sector to partner with us in ways that build local skills, empower communities, and leave lasting institutions—not just infrastructure.”
–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT
Photo caption: Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derek Rawcliffe Manuari (centre) with Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, H.E Cornelius Walegerea (Left) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Dr Chris Vehe.
