Virtual Island Summit 2026
In March 2026, CEC Chair Melanie Chen and CEO Eugene Tiah gave a Masterclass on the topic Policy, Regulation & Enabling Environments for Energy Transitions.
Session Synopsis
This session examined the real-world policy, regulatory, and financing conditions shaping island energy transitions. Moving beyond targets alone, participants explored what it takes to align national ambitions with realistic implementation timelines and institutional capacity.
The discussion covered key enabling instruments such as renewable energy targets, IPP frameworks, feed-in tariffs, grid codes, and battery storage integration – alongside the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, legacy utility arrangements, and small, debt-constrained markets.
A strong emphasis was placed on energy efficiency as a foundational pillar of resilience, including performance contracting models, the role of ESCOs, and practical measures that can deliver immediate savings while strengthening energy security.
Through regional insights and practical examples, the session highlighted how island governments can create investable, bankable, and socially grounded pathways for clean energy transition.
