BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH SDG 7

Tuvalu is a particularly important case for SDG 7 because, despite its very small population, it faces the energy challenges typical of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Electricity access has reached 100% of the population, but the country remains highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. In 2022, oil represented approximately 95% of Tuvalu’s total energy supply, while renewables accounted for only around 5% (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2025). 

Reducing this dependence is central to Tuvalu’s energy strategy. The country has abundant solar resources and aims to move towards 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, primarily through solar power, battery storage and improvements to its electricity infrastructure (World Bank, 2024; Government of Tuvalu, 2025a). 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Tuvalu’s main challenge is its geographic isolation and dependence on imported diesel, which exposes the country to international fuel-price fluctuations, transportation costs and supply disruptions. Its dispersed islands and small electricity systems also make infrastructure investment comparatively expensive, while climate change and extreme weather create additional risks for energy infrastructure (World Bank, 2024; Government of Tuvalu, 2025b). 

Recent projects demonstrate significant efforts to overcome these constraints. In November 2024, Tuvalu and the Asian Development Bank commissioned a 500 kW grid-connected solar rooftop system and a 2 MWh battery energy storage system in Funafuti. Such projects are intended to reduce diesel dependence, strengthen energy security and move Tuvalu closer to its 2030 renewable-energy objective (Government of Tuvalu, 2025a). 

LIST OF REFERENCES 

Government of Tuvalu. (2025a). 2025-2026 National Budget. https://finance.gov.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-2026-National-Budget.pdf

Government of Tuvalu. (2025b). Barrier Analysis and Enabling Framework. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/ttclear/TNA/TUV-BAEF-mitigation-2025.pdf

International Renewable Energy Agency. (2025). Energy Profile: Tuvalu. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Statistics/Statistical_Profiles/Oceania/Tuvalu_Oceania_RE_SP.pdf

World Bank. (2024). Additional Financing for Tuvalu Energy Sector Development Project. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099041124015035975/pdf/P18160713384f5051923f17cad6127960b.pdf