Pacific island states have always been identified with exotic holidays, beautiful nature and beaches. Unfortunately most of these islands don't have very high hills and highlands, and in fact are very sensitive to sea level rises. Tsunami disasters in the recent years have shown just how vulnerable many of these islands really are. With the growing expansion of global warming, it is expected sea levels are going to rise in the near future, due to the melting of the ice caps, which may pose a great threat to Pacific island states. Many fear they may be flooded and wiped off the map.

Tuvalu, a Pacific island state, is taking steps to transfer all of its electricity needs to come from renewable energy sources, and thus doing its part in slowing down of diverting the effects of global warming. The countries needs are estimated at about USD 20 million to come strictly from renewable sources, and satisfy the needs of its 12,000 inhabitants. The aim is to harness solar and wind power, and do away with diesel powered generators.

One of the Tuvalu islands. (Image credit: mrlins on Flickr)

The country has set its 2020 target, and hopes world nations will agree to the strong new UN deal on carbon emission reductions, giving an example by switching to clean power entirely.

Even though Tuvalu's carbon emission profile is minute compared to other big developed countries in the world, everyone must do their part. Unfortunately, it will take a lot more than all the Pacific island states dropping fossil fuel power generation to achieve a significant effect, but this is a good start.

Guam wind resource map (Image credit: US DOE and NREL)

Renewable energy sources are especially useful for smaller scale energy consumption. Islands are probably the best landscapes where renewable energy can really make a difference. Guam, the island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and home to a US military base, has a practical need for renewable energy. The Guam Power Authority (GPA) is seeking to acquire renewable energy resources. Their goal is to achieve at least a 5% coverage of their total electricity consumation from renewable energy, by 2015. Additionally, they are hoping to achieve 80 MW capacity from renewables by 2013. If the renewable resources prove to be economically viable, the amount of installed capacity could increase.

Earlier this year, GPA announced a bid for renewable energy sources, requesting a fixed price model for energy delivery for a minimum of ten years. Technologies to be implemnted have to be capable of showing results no further than 30 months away from an award. By the end of the year, GPA will issue a request for proposal for renewables that would be operational 60 months after an award is given.

I am guessing the focus will be on wind energy, as there is significant potential there, and most probably off-shore wind farms. Solar energy may be in the game as well, although the island's rather small surface area doesn't leave much room for significantly large solar arrays. Marine energy, especially through wave power converters, may be an interesting solution for Guam as well. So far, electricity on Guam is mainly generated by steam and diesel power plants.

Many other islands and island states in the Pacific region should consider moving towards renewable energy. Being smaller and less populated than mainland regions, and with an abundance of renewable energy resources, especially wind and solar, this sounds like a good way to solve their energy needs and preserve the environment.