Republic of Palau: Renewable Energy Roadmap 2022-2050

The government of Palau has proposed a target of achieving 100% of its electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2050. This renewable energy roadmap for the Republic of Palau has subsequently been developed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the request of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce (MPIIC).

The report charts the way forward to 2050 for the country’s power and transport sectors. It looks in detail at the current power sector and provides a pathway for achieving a fully decarbonised, least-cost power system, with intermediate milestones. Additionally, it also encompasses renewable energy options for the marine and road transport sectors.

Four specific scenarios for achieving the 100% target for Palau’s power sector have been analysed. The most cost-effective scenario observed involves green hydrogen production from solar PV and wind, in addition to full EV deployment. The flexibility provided by EVs and green hydrogen production reduces the cost of electricity from the current USD 0.23/kWh to USD 0.15/kWh, in a scenario with 100% renewable power and road transport.

Together with additional renewable energy deployment, to achieve the proposed target and implement the scenarios analysed in this study, policies, regulations and financing are essential building blocks to enable the energy transition in Palau.