What is Block Island's energy plan?

Block Island, Rhode Island is looking to identify renewable energy sources that can be used to generate electricity on the island and reduce reliance on imported electricity and fuels. The community will engage in energy planning to shore up its resilience, particularly in the face of sea-level rise.

Can 'Island laboratories' help solve the green energy problem?

But as SIDS find solutions to their green energy conundrum, ‘island laboratories’ may just be able to generate some valuable lessons for the rest of the world to heed. This article is part of The Ethical Corporation's Decarbonising Industries series, which is being published over the course of this month.

Why are some islands reliant on fossil fuels?

Like many islands around the globe, the featured islands are heavily reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation, leaving them vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations that directly impact the cost of electricity.

Do small islands need a lot of space?

Shah of the University of Delaware points out that while a lack of space is often cited as a constraint for installing renewables on small islands, the efficiency of both solar and wind energy has improved markedly over the last decade, meaning less space is needed. Meanwhile, islands are exploring technologies to harness energy at sea.

Could geothermal power power a small island?

While most small islands will have to rely on intermittent solar or wind power, others are blessed with significant geothermal or hydroelectric potential that could provide a baseload electricity supply, and could conceivably follow the paths of Iceland and New Zealand.

What is Shelter Island doing to bolster its resilience?

Shelter Island, located at the eastern end of Long Island, is considering a range of renewable technologies to improve its resilience.