The National Energy Policy Framework sets out the Government's policies for the planning and management of the energy sector over the next 10 years. The framework defines the strategies that government is taking to ensure that the objectives of the policies are fully realised. In developing the energy policy framework government is mindful of the critical role of the energy sector in the attainment of its overall socio-economic development goals of improving the livelihood of all its peoples. There are three principal energy policy considerations detailed in the Solomon Islands National Energy Policy Framework, namely:
(i) Supply issues: For the Solomon Islands the provision of adequate, secure, and cost effective energy supplies through the promotion of indigenous energy resources specifically renewable energy resources using the least cost options and to diversify the energy dependence among several types of sources and suppliers are critical. Diversifying the supply sources will also mean the Solomon Islands developing strategic partnerships locally and abroad.
(ii) Utilisation issues: The efficient utilization of energy and to discourage wasteful and nonproductive patterns of energy consumption is vital for a country that is so dependent on imported energy sources.
(iii) Environmental issues: Like most Pacific Island countries the Solomon Islands have a fragile environment and government always places environmental issues high on its agenda. It is important that the energy policies are targeted at minimising the negative impacts of energy production, transportation, conversion, utilisation and consumption on the environment.
