Pacific Islands eye fossil fuel exit roadmap

Spanish Market: Crude oil, Emissions, Oil products
07/10/26

Pacific island states have begun discussions on developing a regional roadmap for moving away from fossil fuels, with Tuvalu hoping the work will be "well advanced" by July next year.

The discussions took place in Fiji during meetings ahead of the UN Cop 31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey.

"By examining together how to overcome our dependency on fossil fuels, looking at supply and demand options, and mapping the likely changes in trade flows, we can be an exemplar to other regions on producing roadmaps on how to make the transition happen," Tuvalu climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia said.

Tuvalu and Ireland will preside over the second International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in July 2027.

The preparation of country roadmaps to exit fossil fuels has been a focal point since last year's Cop 30 climate talks in Brazil. Summit president Andre Correa do Lago committed to deliver a global roadmap after the talks ended without an agreement on the topic. The Brazilian government is also working on its own roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.

Only three countries have published roadmaps so far — France, the Netherlands and Germany — with some observers saying they lacked ambition.

Marshall Islands environment minister Jess Gasper said that renewable energy for small island nations was not only about cutting emissions but also energy security and resilience.

"Fossil fuel prices are set beyond our shores, but their impacts are felt directly by our people. Gas prices are $8/USG ($2.11/litre) in our capital, and $20/USG in our outer islands," he said.

Excluding Australia and New Zealand, oil accounts for around 80pc of total regional energy supply, while renewables provide around 17pc, according to the UN.

Gasper said he hoped the Pacific Islands roadmap would demonstrate that countries can work together to deliver a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels "towards a cleaner and more secure future for all".

The Pacific island nations are among the most vulnerable countries to climate change because of rising sea levels.

Australia — the world's second-largest coal exporter and LNG exporter — announced an A$7.29mn funding package on 5 October to support the the development of renewables in the Pacific.

Vanuatu said in a submission to the Cop 30 presidency's global roadmap process earlier this year that developed countries had yet to deliver on the promised climate finance, limiting developing countries' ability to invest in clean energy and move away from fossil fuels.

By Caroline Varin

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08/10/26

France to release 10mn bl of diesel in Nov-Jan

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Philippines eyes 1pc SAF mandate by 2030

08/10/26

Philippines eyes 1pc SAF mandate by 2030

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US Gulf VLCC freight rates hit record highs

07/10/26

US Gulf VLCC freight rates hit record highs

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US set to weaken methane rules for oil, gas

07/10/26

US set to weaken methane rules for oil, gas

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US Gulf operators shut-in output before storm: Update

07/10/26

US Gulf operators shut-in output before storm: Update

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