Port Vila, Vanuatu [ 29 August 2023]– Two important policies were launched today in Vanuatu to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the country. Vanuatu’s GHG emissions are minimal compared to other countries throughout the world. Nevertheless, Vanuatu has made long-term commitments to low carbon emission development as highlighted in its Long Term – Low Emissions Development Strategy –LT LEDS- 2050. Currently, Vanuatu’s land transport sector is the largest contributor to its GHG emissions. To address the issue, Vanuatu has prioritized establishing vehicle emission standards in the National Energy Roadmap (NERM), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and the Low Emission Development Strategy 2050. Following these commitments, the Council of Ministers –COM- of Vanuatu adopted two related policies: 1) with the technical assistance of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) from New Zealand.
The Vehicle Emission Standards Policy Brief adopts European ‘Euro’ emission standards for imported vehicles, which are widely used by many countries and manufacturers worldwide. Vanuatu imports over 1,000 vehicles annually, experiencing a growth rate of approximately 4% per year. Until now, no laws have been in place to restrict vehicle types, mandate fuel efficiency, or require emissions checks. Implementation of these new standards is set to begin in 2024, with a phased introduction of Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 standards.
The Fuel Standards Policy Brief adopts the Euro 5 standard for fuel quality. Vanuatu is a 100% petroleum importer. According to the NDC, the estimated cumulative number of new vehicles will reach over 25,000 in 2025 and the consumption of petrol will increase accordingly. As imported fuel already meets the Euro 5 standard, the new policy underscores the high quality of fuel available to the public.
The combined standards are expected to be synergized for maximum benefits. The government of Vanuatu emphasizes its commitment to sustainable development, public health, and environmental protection. “We anticipate that these standards will lead to reduced healthcare costs related to respiratory and other diseases. They will also contribute to a cleaner environment, preserving the natural beauty of Vanuatu for future generations”, H.E. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management said.
These standards are evaluated as a decisive step towards Vanuatu’s broader climate goals as planned by NDC and NERM under the Paris Agreement. The Government of Vanuatu has exclaimed to approach 100% renewable energy in the electricity sub-sector by 2030 and achieve 30% GHG reductions in the energy sector, including the transport sector. It aims to implement e-mobility in government and public transport by 2030, with a vision of achieving 50% electrification by 2050.
“I wish to reiterate GGGI’s unwavering commitment to supporting Vanuatu in its green growth journey. We stand as a partner, an ally, and a resource, working in concert with the government and the people of Vanuatu towards a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future, and look forward to further collaboration with the government and MFAT under the upcoming phase of the Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development –LECRD- program” Mr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI noted.
Local GGGI communications contact
Jesse Benjamin, Senior Program Officer – Vanuatu
+678 7361433 / +678 5523123
jesse.benjamin@gggi.org