Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI)

Background

Successful implementation of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) technologies and projects tends to occur in regions where effective industry associations are established and, in particular, where certification schemes are introduced.

 

 

Purpose

To establish the Pacific Islands Sustainable Energy Industry Association and Certification Scheme for RE and EE practitioners.

 

 

Outcomes

The Sustainable Energy Industries Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) was launched in November 2010, and REEEP funding was instrumental in its establishment. During the course of 2011, SEIAPI signed an MoU with the Pacific Power Association (PPA), an inter-governmental regional organisation founded by the electricity utilities operating in the Pacific Islands Countries.

The two organisations agreed work together in the development of technical guidelines relating to the use of renewable energy systems such as solar and hydro. Together, these organisations have just jointly released the first four sets of guidelines targeting the sustainable energy industry and power utilities:

  • Grid connected PV systems-System Installation Guidelines
  • Grid connected PV systems-System Design Guidelines
  • Off Grid PV power systems-System Installation Guidelines
  • Off Grid PV power systems -System Design Guidelines
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Main Activities

  • Research and identify all businesses involved involved with renewable energy and energy efficiency in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
  • Visit as many of the companies as possible to discuss the development of the association and identify where the association should be established
  • Develop articles and structure for the association, handle its registration and develop a business plan for its first three years
  • Develop and introduce the certification programme
  • Identify technical/installation standards that could be adopted in region
  • Conduct the first two annual Industry Association meetings for the region
  • Provide administrative support for the association’s first two years

Expected Impact

  • Increased focus and drive toward quality of RE products, RE installations, energy efficiency services and products, and training of technicians through accredited training programs, standards and regulations.
  • Better profile for the renewable energy industry in the Pacific Islands, and coordinated promotion by all members of the association.
  • Indirect benefits in cutting CO2 emissions thanks to increased RE and EE potential.
Location
Cook Islands, Federated States Of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Programme Sector
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency / Policy and Regulation
Duration
2010 - 2012
Budget
€ 143,525 including co-funding from Global Sustainable Energy Solutions, SPREP - PIGGAREP
REEEP grant funded by
Australia