$2.2tn is earmarked for renewables this year, but 90% goes to advanced economies and China. Palau tearing, an island 900km east of the Philippines, is aiming to pull some of that funding into its own grid. Its president, Surangel Whipps, says the Pacific consumes $6bn in fuel annually and diesel powers 70% of its electricity, driving up costs when oil prices double.

Palau set a 20% renewable target for 2020 and missed it because of cost and consumer reluctance. Today the government plans to add 60 MW of solar and battery storage, which would supply 90% of its power, and could cut electricity prices by 55% on average across the region. The project needs $120mn in investment, and the government is courting private firms, multilateral banks and developers.

Logistics and risk make investors wary, yet the 2018 tender won by Solar Pacific proved that open competition can drive down costs. With the Pacific Islands Forum and a pre‑COP summit on the horizon, Palau hopes to showcase its shift to renewables as both a security and economic win.