On 1 January 2010, SPC assumed the lead agency role in the Energy Sector as mandated to it by the Pacific Energy Ministers, the joint meeting of the Governing bodies of SOPAC, SPREP and SPC, the Forum Leaders and approved by the Sixth Conference of the Pacific Community, held in Tonga on 12-13 October 2009.

SPC’s lead agency role is to provide leadership, effective coordination and management through the premise of Many Partners, One Team. Its  effort is guided by the Forum-adopted Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific, where Energy Security exists when all people at all times have access to sufficient sustainable sources of clean and affordable energy and services to enhance their social and economic well-being.

Addressing the energy security issues of the PICTs is being done through technical advice, training and capacity building and on-the-ground demonstrations in the following seven areas:

Theme 1 – Leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships recognises that working in isolation will not achieve energy security. Nor can the energy sector alone improve the accessibility and security of energy supply and services. Led by government, all sectors and agencies play a role in moving towards energy security. Important partners include the private sector, in particular the petroleum industry in each PICT; power utilities; transport; trade; planning and finance; civil society stakeholders; regional and international agencies; and development/donor partners. This theme emphasises the importance of leadership and team work, and suggests ways in which stakeholders can cooperate to build strong national and regional partnerships to face current and future challenges in meeting energy requirements. It is intended to provide a vehicle through which all partners can engage effectively in overcoming coordination, communication and resource issues.