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Republic of the Marshall Islands Renewables Readiness Assessment Summary

Core Content

The Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a comprehensive study aimed at identifying the challenges and opportunities for scaling up renewable energy use in the country. The assessment is aligned with the 2009 National Energy Policy and the Energy Action Plan, which emphasize the need for clean, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services to improve the quality of life, reduce poverty, and combat climate change. The RRA is also part of the Green Energy Micronesia initiative, which seeks to reduce fossil fuel imports by 20%, increase energy efficiency by 30%, and boost renewable energy use by 20% by 2020.

The RMI is a small island state located in the Central North Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,200 km from Honolulu and Tokyo. It is part of the Micronesia island group and has a close relationship with the United States since 1944. The country's economy is heavily dependent on external assistance, with grants averaging 60% of GDP since independence. The RMI has no known fossil fuel reserves, making it vulnerable to volatile fuel prices and prompting a strategic shift toward renewable energy.

Main Points

1. Renewable Energy Development in the RMI

• Solar energy is the most widely used renewable energy source, with over 95% of remote outer island communities having access to stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• The government plans to introduce 1 megawatt of solar energy in urban centers to further reduce fossil fuel dependence.
• Coconut oil is being explored as a potential biofuel for both power generation and transport, with pilot projects and planned trials by MEC (Marshalls Energy Company).

2. Energy Sector Overview

• The RMI relies on imported petroleum-based products such as gasoline, diesel, and LPG, with MEC and KAJUR as the main electricity providers.
• KAJUR serves only Ebeye, while MEC provides power to the rest of the country, including Majuro.
• Diesel mini-grids operate on Wotje, Jaluit, and Kili atolls, serving around 100 homes each.
• The Majuro grid has a combined load of 7.0 MW, while Ebeye has a load of 1.8 MW.
• Solar PV is the only renewable energy source currently integrated into the grid, with 359 kWp connected by September 2014.

3. Challenges and Recommendations

The RRA highlights several challenges and proposes key actions to overcome them:

a. Institutional and Legislative Gaps

• Enact enabling legislation to establish a national energy agency and define standards for renewable energy systems.
• Establish an energy working committee to coordinate renewable energy implementation and propose training programs.

b. Grid-Connected Renewables

• Develop a dynamic computer model for the grid to predict the impact of solar and wind integration.
• Enforce standardised technical design, installation, and interconnection requirements.
• Design and implement financing schemes similar to those in Palau.
• Create capacity-building programs tailored to local needs, including training trainers to ensure knowledge transfer.

c. Off-Grid Renewables

• Conduct a comprehensive survey to identify reasons for failure in long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) of solar PV systems.
• Develop an institutional framework for rural electrification that is customised to each outer island.
• Deliver training programs using local knowledge and language to ensure villagers understand and can maintain systems.
• Enforce design and installation standards for off-grid systems.

d. Diesel Mini-Grid Conversion

• Convert existing diesel mini-grids to solar PV systems to eliminate fuel drum leakage and reduce dependence on imported diesel.
• Study successful conversions in other Pacific island countries to inform similar programs in the RMI.

e. Coconut Oil as a Biofuel

• Promote small-scale on-site coconut oil production to address supply, quality, and price concerns.
• This would allow local extraction of coconut oil using small mills, reducing the need for long-distance transport and improving oil quality.

Key Information

• The RMI has 22 atolls and 4 small raised coral islands, with 74% of the population living on Majuro and Kwajalein.
• Ebeye, located in Kwajalein Atoll, is the most densely populated island in the Pacific, with 9,614 people per square mile.
• The RMI is experiencing steady emigration to the US, leading to low population growth (1.72% in 2014).
• Electricity access in the RMI is expected to reach 100% by 2015, with non-residential access aiming for 100% by 2020.
• The RRA was conducted by the MRD Energy Planning Division in collaboration with IRENA and is based on stakeholder consultations.
• The RRA aims to formulate a portfolio of actionable initiatives that can be jointly developed by stakeholders.

Proposed Project Activities

Five key project concepts were identified to support the RRA recommendations:

1. Large-scale project to support private investment in on-grid solar with and without energy storage.
2. Provide sustainable electricity to residents on outer islands.
3. Convert outer island diesel grids to solar generation.
4. Shift coconut oil production from Majuro to outer islands to lower costs and improve quality.
5. Review the 2009 National Energy Policy and enabling legislation for MEC and a national energy office.

These projects are intended to be developed into full proposals by the MRD Energy Planning Division, with external support from development partners.

Conclusion

The RRA is a strategic tool to help the RMI transition toward a sustainable energy future. It identifies the key challenges and recommended actions for improving renewable energy readiness, including institutional development, grid stability, operation and maintenance (O&M) sustainability, and biofuel utilization. The RRA also supports international cooperation and best practices in renewable energy development, aligning with IRENA's mission. The ultimate goal is to reduce fossil fuel dependence, improve energy access, and enhance energy security in the RMI.