LAUSR

Abstract Dependency on fossil fuels is an issue for numerous countries, and in particular, it is an acutely challenging problem for Pacific Small Island Developing States. For the utilization of Renewable Energy in Pacific Small Island Developing States, donor agencies and international organizations play major roles in funding. This study introduces the nature of the past renewable energy projects in Pacific Small Island Developing States and, in the process, clarifies the contribution of international aid to renewable energy deployment. Thereafter, the paper identifies the most important factors related to enhancing an enabling environment for the introduction of Renewable Energy in Pacific Small Island Developing States and the relative importance of these factors with a special focus on donors' perspectives. The paper clarifies that approximately 1.5 billion USD (2011) was received by Pacific Small Island Developing States over the 44 years from 1970 to 2014 as funding for renewable energy projects that included funding for hardware, and the amount of aid allocated for renewable energy in the region greatly varies between countries. The paper also identifies the important factors that can enhance an enabling environment for the introduction of renewable energy and the relative importance of these factors. Some of the highlighted implications that can be made from the findings of the research are: (1) high renewable energy targets need to be supported by well-structured action plans; (2) there is a need for an effective regulatory body responsible for renewable energy; and (3) the financial aspects of utilities are of higher importance than technological aspects of utilities.