This inception report is a desk-based study prior to the initial visit to Vanuatu in April 2016. It is based on: i) the prior experience of the authors with issues regarding renewable energy development in remote islands of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) including Vanuatu); ii) a review of available relevant documentation; iii) discussions with Fiji-based experts familiar with Vanuatu and renewable energy issues facing Vanuatu; and iv) email exchanges and Skype discussions with stakeholders in Vanuatu, Pacific regional agencies dealing with renewable energy and others.