Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have set a collective target of 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable energy capacity by 2035, representing an increase of approximately 170% from 2025 levels, according to an assessment by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The target builds on progress made over the past decade through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (SIDS LHI), an IRENA-coordinated partnership aimed at accelerating renewable energy development, addressing investment and infrastructure barriers, and strengthening cooperation among island nations.

Renewable power capacity across SIDS reached 11.2 GW in 2025, more than tripling from 3.3 GW in 2014. The achievement also exceeded the initiative's previous 10 GW target for 2030, five years ahead of schedule.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “The strength of the SIDS LHI has always been its partnerships, and these will remain essential as we work towards the collective target of around 30 gigawatts by 2035. This new target reflects SIDS ambition and determination to expand access to affordable and reliable electricity while strengthening energy security. With the continued leadership of SIDS and the commitment of our partners, I am confident that we can turn ambition into delivery.”

The 30GW target is based on IRENA's review of renewable energy commitments across 55 small island developing states and territories, covering the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS), Caribbean and Pacific regions. The assessment draws on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), national policies and government-endorsed strategies, alongside technical analysis.

Around 82% of SIDS have submitted updated NDCs under the latest climate ambition cycle, with commitments increasingly focused on renewable-powered electrification.

Regional capacity growth

The analysis identifies significant potential for renewable energy expansion across all three regions by 2035.

The Caribbean is expected to make the largest contribution, with installed capacity projected to rise from approximately 7.5 GW in 2025 to 19.5 GW by 2035.

In the AIS region, capacity could increase from 2.3GW to 5.9GW, while the Pacific is projected to grow from 1.4 GW to 4.8GW over the same period.

Despite exceeding their previous renewable energy target, island nations continue to face energy security challenges, particularly their dependence on imported fossil fuels. Remote and outer-island communities are especially affected by geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, small economies of scale and high electricity costs.

IRENA said the next phase of the SIDS LHI would therefore focus not only on expanding installed capacity but also on improving energy resilience and access to affordable electricity.

Priority areas include pooled procurement, smart electrification, grid modernisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, ocean energy and offshore renewable technologies.

The initiative aims to use the new target as a measurable benchmark for tracking progress and coordinating investment and implementation across participating countries.

The 30GW commitment was officially announced at the COP31 SIDS Ministerial Dialogue, attended by island nations' ministers, representatives of the COP31 Presidency and the President of Negotiations.

The meeting was co-organised by IRENA, the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and the Pacific Community. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service