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The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) will embark on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future through a collaborative effort between two SPC-hosted regional centres of excellence - the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE). This groundbreaking collaboration aims to conduct a coherent review of the RMI National Energy Policy and Action Plan (NEPAP) 2015 – 2025, reflecting the nation's commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development.
Director of the National Energy Office, Ministry of Environment, Ms Angeline C. Heine-Reimers, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, "From our 2009 National Energy Policy, one of the guiding principles of the RMI Energy Sector is Many Partners, One Team. The collaboration between the NDC Hub and the PCREEE to review, revise and update the 2016 RMI National Energy Policy & Energy Action Plan is one of many examples.”
“Our National Energy Policy is the catalyst for our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which is illustrated in the RMI Electricity Roadmap. Reviewing and revising our Energy Policy is imperative as it needs to be aligned with the current national objectives, including current trends", said Director Heine-Reimers.
Heine-Reimers also acknowledged regional partners PCREEE and the Regional Pacific NDC Hub in assisting RMI in ensuring a robust and effective national energy policy to benefit the people of the Marshall Islands.
The RMI NEPAP 2015 – 2025, developed with the Pacific Community's (SPC) technical assistance, serves as a cornerstone for energy planning and development in the Marshall Islands. However, given evolving energy landscapes and emerging challenges, a comprehensive review is imperative to ensure its alignment with current trends, policies, and global frameworks.
The coherence review will assess the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and institutional feasibility of the NEPAP, alongside its alignment with critical frameworks such as the Marshall Islands Electricity Roadmap, and the Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. Through desktop reviews, stakeholder consultations, and site visits, the review process will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the current energy landscape and the identification of gaps and challenges.
As the global community is being called to accelerate the transition to a clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy system, adequate, enabling policies and plans are needed to empower communities, the private sector, NGOs, women, and youth to participate in and lead the transition.
The outcomes of this collaboration are expected to include enhanced awareness of the NEPAP's status and progress, a clearer understanding of areas requiring attention in its review and strengthened partnerships within the RMI energy sector. Ultimately, this initiative aims to empower the Marshallese people with a robust and forward-looking energy policy that lays the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future.
14 Pacific Island countries established the NDC Hub to support their climate targets set by the Paris Agreement. At COP23, it was formally launched to aid Pacific Island governments in implementing their NDCs through data, resources, and expertise. It focusses on sustainable development and resilience, it collaborates with global partners and receives support from donors like the European Union, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This collective effort underscores the region's commitment to combatting climate change and fostering a low-carbon future.
For more information on the NDC Hub, visit Regional Pacific NDC Hub or Republic of the Marshall Islands for more information on RMI’s NDCs progress.
