19 October 2011: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is assisting Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) in strengthening capacity to effectively manage and plan their respective energy sectors. To this end, a series of national workshops are planned. Funding for the assistance is provided through the EU’s Energy Initiative Partnership Dialogue Facility.

According to SPC, the project supports agreements made at the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), held in September 2011, on the value of developing credible sector-wide plans, including energy roadmaps and structures to improve energy security and access to electricity, and to reduce dependency on fossil fuel for electricity generation.

The national workshops will bring together energy sector stakeholders, including power utilities, petroleum companies, customs authorities, statistics offices, pricing authorities, energy offices and major energy consumers. The aim is to construct an energy balance for each country and identify energy security indicators, leading to a better understanding and appreciation of the energy sector. [SPC Press Release]