Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have set a collective target of reaching 30 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2035, representing an increase of approximately 170% over 2025 levels, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The target was officially announced at the COP31 SIDS Ministerial Dialogue in Antalya, Türkiye, following an assessment of renewable energy targets across 55 island states and territories.

The new ambition builds on significant progress over the past decade. Renewable energy capacity across SIDS reached 11.2 GW in 2025, more than three times the 3.3 GW recorded in 2014. The figure also exceeded the previous 10 GW target set under IRENA's SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (SIDS LHI) for 2030, achieving it five years ahead of schedule.

IRENA's assessment identifies substantial growth potential across all three SIDS regions. The Caribbean could increase its renewable power capacity from approximately 7.5 GW in 2025 to 19.5 GW by 2035, potentially becoming the largest contributor to the collective target. In the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) region, capacity could rise from 2.3 GW to 5.9 GW, while the Pacific could grow from 1.4 GW to 4.8 GW over the same period.

The analysis draws on renewable energy targets included in national climate commitments, policies and strategies, as well as other official government-endorsed documents. IRENA reviewed commitments across 55 SIDS and territories, noting that around 82% of these states have submitted updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the latest ambition cycle. The updated commitments point to a greater focus on renewables-based electrification.

Despite exceeding their previous capacity target, small island states continue to face energy security challenges due to their dependence on imported fossil fuels. These difficulties are particularly pronounced in remote and outer-island communities, where geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, small economies of scale and high costs restrict access to reliable and affordable electricity.

IRENA says the next phase of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative will therefore focus on addressing these structural barriers alongside expanding renewable capacity. Its priorities include pooled procurement, smart electrification, grid modernisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, as well as ocean energy and offshore renewables. The 30 GW target will also provide a benchmark for monitoring progress and guiding cooperation among island states and their partners.

The target was announced at the COP31 SIDS Ministerial Dialogue, co-organised by IRENA, the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the Pacific Community (SPC), with the participation of SIDS ministers, representatives of the COP31 Presidency and the President of Negotiations.