Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal nations in the Indian Ocean are uniquely positioned to harness the power of the ocean. With maritime zones often far larger than their land areas, these countries hold significant untapped potential for offshore renewable energy and ocean-based technologies that can support sustainable economic growth, enhance energy security, and strengthen climate resilience within the blue economy.
However, despite growing interest and strong political commitment, deployment of offshore renewables and ocean energy technologies remains at an early stage across the region. As of 2024, total installed renewable energy capacity across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) SIDS stands at approximately 2.2 GW (IRENA, 2025). Progress is often constrained by barriers such as limited access to financing, gaps in resource data, and insufficient technical capacity.
To advance regional dialogue on offshore renewables and ocean energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are collaborating under their Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative. This two-part webinar series (26 March and 30 April) will introduce offshore renewable and ocean energy technologies, including offshore wind (fixed and floating), floating solar PV, wave energy, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and salinity gradient systems, while highlighting global experiences and case studies. Targeting representatives from SIDS, IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners, the IORA Working Group on Blue Economy, the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group, and the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum, the series aims to build awareness and support policymakers and practitioners in identifying pathways to integrate offshore renewables and ocean energy into national energy strategies.