Case study summary

Developing countries, especially small island developing states (SIDS), face a trilemma of low energy access, lack of financing, and regulatory barriers. Despite being abundant in renewable energy resources, SIDS often rely heavily on external technology, knowledge, and financial resources to drive their energy transition towards cleaner power sources.

Global cooperation focusing on equitable partnerships and financial access can enable successful energy transitions for island nations. A recent collaboration between the Green Climate Fund (GCF), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Rubis, Hydrogène de France Energy (HDF), and the International Development Bank (IDB) is a perfect example of a successful undertaking to advance energy access.

This partnership is helping to develop Renewstable Barbados (RSB), a US$175-million project that aims to utilise green hydrogen for electricity generation in the country and also provide a base fuel for other sectors such as transportation and fishing.

Green hydrogen is emerging as a strategically important solution in the context of the energy transition and decarbonisation of electricity generation in the Caribbean and Latin America. The success of Renewstable Barbados could encourage more partnerships that finance and build the necessary infrastructure in SIDS, enabling small island developing nations to meet their climate goals.

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