Small island developing states (SIDS) have called for increased international co-operation to tackle climate change and implement renewables.

Ministers and senior officials representing 30 countries and organisations from across the world met in the Maldives earlier this month to strengthen global efforts in these areas.

They suggested clean energy provides a cost-effective way for island states to enhance energy security, national resilience and climate adaptation.

More than 2GW of renewable technologies are already deployed in SIDS and at least 6GW of additional capacity is planned for the future.

Despite progress, SIDS leaders said they are facing financial and technical barriers as they transition their power, heating, cooling and transportation sectors to renewable energy – many of these issues stem from their size, geography and limited capacity.

They have called for greater international co-operation and knowledge sharing to help improve economies of scale, reduce transaction costs and enable better financial environments for investors.

Thoriq Ibrahim, Energy and Environment Minister for the Maldives said: “Small islands are sending the world a clear message – we are seizing the promise of renewable energy to grow our economies today and build a better future for tomorrow.”