Applying energy justice principles: a case study of solar energy in Vanuatu

Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change created in part, by worldwide carbon emissions, while also being highly dependent on carbon-intensive imported fossil fuels. Pacific SIDS are also hostage to acute energy price volatility and fossil fuel import dependencies creating the urgent impetus for resilient and accessible renewable energy systems. This article provides a socio-legal case study analysis of current efforts to increase off-grid solar energy in Vanuatu. It focuses on how a just transition can be achieved in rural Vanuatu by applying and implementing three forms of energy justice: distributive, procedural, and recognition justice. Energy justice is a crucial framework for energy regulation and policy reform and action. While all five forms of energy justice are complementary and intrinsically linked, this article specifically examines the 'triumvirate of tenets' applied to the Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP) II deploying solar energy in rural Vanuatu. This article also posits that the current international project funding framework which includes a series of social and environmental safeguards could be revisited, revised, and reformulated to reflect an energy justice framework. Finally, the article also isolates key opportunities to encourage solar energy cooperatives as an alternative legal vehicle harnessing energy justice principles.