Decision Support for Islands and Territories

American Samoa faces similar climate and energy resilience challenges as other Pacific islands: geographic remoteness, dependence on imported fossil fuels, and increased vulnerability to natural hazards such as earthquakes, cyclones, and tsunamis. Renewable energy represents a small but growing power system contribution, although American Samoa relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels.

Publications 

American Samoa: Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential, NREL Fact Sheet (2024)

2023–2024 Energy Baseline Report: American Samoa, NREL Technical Report (2024)

Energy Snapshot—American Samoa, NREL Fact Sheet (2020)

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands relies on imported petroleum products for both electricity generation and transportation and is consequently sensitive to fluctuations in market prices for fuel. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island's aging electricity infrastructure and vulnerability to natural disasters present major challenges and emphasize the territory’s need for a more resilient power system. 

Publications

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Developing a Resilient Power System, NREL Fact Sheet (2024)

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 2023 Energy Baseline Report: U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, NREL Technical Report (2024)

Energy Snapshot—Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, NREL Fact Sheet (2020)

Energy Transition Initiative: Island Energy Snapshot—Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, NREL Fact Sheet (2015)

In the face of tropical cyclones, rising energy prices, and mandates for power plant retirement, Guam is increasing energy security and resilience while making significant progress on its path to 100% renewable energy. In recent years, Guam’s renewable energy production has grown to serve over 11% of its power needs, with more planned. Read more about Guam.

Publications

Guam: Pursuing a Sustainable Energy Future, NREL Fact Sheet (2024)

Guam: 2023 Energy Baseline Report, NREL Technical Report (2024)

Energy Snapshot—Guam, NREL Fact Sheet (2020)

NREL has supported Hawaii through direct partnerships as well as through various DOE technical assistance programs.

Publications

Kauai Partners With NREL To Explore Sustainable Transportation Options, NREL blog (2024)

Expanding Accessibility of Energy Modeling in Hawaii, NREL Fact Sheet (2021)

U.S. Navy, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, AES, and NREL Innovate and Collaborate for Resilience and Cost-Effective Clean Energy Project on Kauai, NREL News (2021)

Celebrating 10 Years of Success Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative 2008-2018, DOE Technical Report (2018)

Learn more about NREL’s international island support, including the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, through its international activities.

NREL provides Puerto Rico stakeholders with tools, training, and modeling support to enable planning and operation of the electric power grid with more resilience against further disruptions. Read more and access publications in Multilab Energy Planning Support for Puerto Rico and PR100.gov.

Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100) Summary Report (English), NREL Technical Report (2024)

Febrero 2024 Estudio de Resiliencia de la Red Eléctrica de Puerto Rico y Transiciones a Energía 100% Renovable (PR100), NREL Technical Report (2024)

The U.S. Virgin Islands is confronted with high electricity costs and poor power system reliability, compounded by natural threats such as hurricanes, failing infrastructure, and a strained local workforce. To combat these challenges, the U.S. Virgin Islands is capitalizing on federal funding opportunities to build a significantly more robust power and water system, paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future.

Read more about ongoing technical assistance efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.