How can Nauru reduce its reliance on fossil fuels?

In order to achieve Nauru’s ambitious goal of reducing the country’s high reliance on imported fossil fuel by meeting 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2015,1 the Nauru Government requested technical support from GIZ, SPC and IRENA in the development of a Nauru Energy Road Map in early 2012.

Does Nauru have an energy road map?

Currently Nauru is working on an Energy Road Map, including action plans for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency sufficient to significantly lower imports of diesel fuel for electricity generation.

What does imported energy mean for Nauru?

Imported energy for Nauru means fossil fuel imports. Unambiguous records of the quantity of fuel imports, their timing and the specific type of fuel imported are vital to the determination of the Nauru energy balance.

Does the NUC provide electricity to Nauru?

The NUC currently provides all electricity services to Nauru except for the RPC and the main processing plant of RONPHOS which both generate their own power. Diesel, petrol and jet fuel are purchased by the government for all customers except RONPHOS who do their own purchasing.

Why is Nauru so vulnerable to solar energy?

Solar energy is the only proven renewable energy resource which could be utilised in short to medium term to reduce dependency on fuel imports for electricity generation. The country’s vulnerability is also increased by its isolation from other Pacific Islands. In 2012, SPC released an energy profile of Nauru based on 36 energy security indicators.

How did Nauru get its electricity & water services?

Until 2005, the Nauru Phosphate Corporation provided all the island’s electricity and water services. In 2005 the Nauru Utility Authority (NUA) was formed to separate the water and electricity utilities function from the phosphate corporation. It was later decided to corporatize NUA and the Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC) was created.