The last nautical mile
Source: https://www.ceem.unsw.edu.au:443/our-research/last-nautical-mile Parent: https://www.ceem.unsw.edu.au:443/
Emerging energy transitions for Pacific Islands.
Overview
This UNSW–UNDP project examined how to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to remote Pacific Island communities, where isolation, dispersed populations, weak infrastructure, and reliance on imported fuels still limit access. It introduces the idea of the “last nautical mile” to capture the unique logistical challenges of ocean-separated settlements and argues for a whole-of-island planning approach that integrates energy with local economies and community needs, rather than fragmented projects. Across six case studies, solar home systems were common but faced maintenance, financing, and productive-use barriers, highlighting the need for energy justice (equity, inclusion, and recognition of local knowledge), gender-aware governance, and context-specific technologies (mainly solar PV, with micro-hydro, wind, or biomass where suitable). The report ultimately calls for coordinated planning tools, better repair and end-of-life management, creative financing models, regional cooperation, and locally grounded solutions to build resilient energy systems and support long-term development across Pacific islands.
The project report is available at https://www.undp.org/pacific/publications/last-nautical-mile-emerging-energy-transitions-pacific-islands
Project partners
UNSW
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (UNSW)
School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (UNSW)\
Key UNSW researchers
(lead author)
, Regional Affiliate with the Collaboration on Energy\ and Environmental Markets
,
,
,
Joshua Wilkinson, Research Assistant in the Faculty of\ Arts, Design and Architecture.
Joshua Geller, Research Assistant in the School of Photovoltaic and\ Renewable Energy Engineering; and
Antonella Burett, Research Assistant in the Faculty of\ Arts, Design and Architecture.
Research status