Volume 5: Innovative Solutions for Energy Transitions: Part IV

Assessing the Energy Vulnerability of Small Island Developing States Anna Genave, Stéphane Blancard, Sabine Garabedian

Abstract

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are afflicted by structural handicaps such as remoteness, small size and high dependence on international trade. They also share common energy challenges that jeopardize their ability to achieve a sustainable energy future. We identify factors that could potentially impact their respective energy systems such as energy import dependency and energy mix diversity. A composite index of energy vulnerability is constructed using a Multi-Layer Data Envelopment Analysis (MLDEA) approach based on eight energy indicators for 38 SIDS and other island territories. Reunion and Tuvalu make up the reference set of countries from which underperforming SIDS can benchmark best energy practices. Ultimately, this data-driven composite index of energy vulnerability can serve as useful tool for identifying priority areas that require immediate action. We recommend inter- and intra-regional cooperation between these territories based on a country clustering analysis.

Keywords energy vulnerability; SIDS; composite index, energy security; MLDEA