Energy efficiency policies in the Caribbean: a manual to guide the discussion

This paper was prepared to guide the first session of the training workshop Introduction to Financial Feasibility Assessment of EE and RE Projects in the Caribbean. It explores two potential reasons that might be hindering the adoption of energy efficiency policies in the Caribbean. The first reason is related to the availability of primary infrastructure. Countries with deficits on their primary infrastructure might not consider energy efficiency policies as a priority for a national discussion. The second reason is debt overhang. In this type of scenario, countries might be dissuaded to cond…

ECLAC and GIZ join forces as Trinidad Energy Minister, German Ambassador and senior policy makers discuss the future of Caribbean energy efficiency

The Honourable Minister of Energy and Energy Industries for Trinidad and Tobago, Nicole Olivierre, will be joined by the German Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Lutz Görgens, as senior policy makers participate in the workshop entitled “Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean: Reducing the Carbon Footprint in the Caribbean through the Promotion of Energy Efficiency and the use of Renewable Energy Technologies”, to identify issues relevant to the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. The workshop,which takes place at the Kapok Hotel, Port of Spain on 17-18 May 2…

Barriers to identification and implementation of energy efficiency mechanisms and enhancing renewable energy technologies in the Caribbean

The objective of this study is to research barriers to the identification and implementation of mechanisms for enhancing energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy in the Caribbean. Specifically the study aims to provide an assessment of the region’s status with respect to energy efficiency and renewable energy and to identify mechanisms for the enhancement of energy initiatives.…

Saint Lucia discusses transition of public vehicles to electric and hybrid

The financing proposal for a plan to introduce electric and hybrid vehicles in the public service of Saint Lucia was discussed during a high-level meeting hosted by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with ECLAC Caribbean, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 8 September 2016. This represents a major step in the Government of Saint Lucia’s proposal for transitioning its fleet of official vehicles from petrol to electric and hybrid, as well as the development of a solar carpark with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This innovative…

ECLAC supports Saint Lucia’s drive towards renewable energy

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean is actively supporting the Government of Saint Lucia as the country transitions from the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, including solar and geothermal. In this context, ECLAC Caribbean’s Economic Affairs Officer, Willard Phillips, participated in a consultation process on February 25, on the development of a legal framework for the establishment of a National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), which draws on the technical work carried out by ECLAC in Saint…

CEPAL reforzará cooperación con industriales de América Central

El Secretario Ejecutivo Adjunto de la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), Antonio Prado, se reunió el jueves 3 de marzo de 2016 con directivos de la Asociación de Industriales Latinoamericanos (AILA), con quienes acordó reforzar la colaboración y el intercambio de conocimientos, especialmente en áreas relacionadas con la integración regional como la energía, infraestructura, tecnología, transporte y logística. El Presidente y Secretario General de la AILA, Fernando López y Javier Zepeda, respectivamente, visitaron hoy la sede del organismo de las Naciones Unidas en Sant…

Final assessment report: assessment of development account project 12/13 AD: Towards a low carbon economy in Latin America: policy options for energy efficiency and innovation May 2016

Identification of mechanisms for financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to increase investment in the Commonwealth of Dominica

This document identifies mechanisms for financing investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The overall objective of this study is to examine financing opportunities which will provide greater incentives for the development of energy efficiency measures and implementation of renewable energy technologies.…

Identification of mechanisms for financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to increase investment in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels for energy production, which makes the country vulnerable to price volatility and supply shortages. Also, it is well known that the initial cost of investing in renewable technologies can be prohibitive so there is a need to find ways to avert and/or reduce these costs to consumers. In addition, Saint Lucia has substantial natural energy resources with a high potential in geothermal as a reliable energy source, and a smaller scale with solar, wind and hydro power. However, renewable energy contributes less than 1 per cent to the country’…

Sustainable energy for all in the Caribbean

Briefing note by ECLAC Caribbean Chief, Diane Quarless…

Sustainable energy for all in the Caribbean

Dominica is CARICOM forerunner in renewable energy use, latest ECLAC report reveals

With renewables accounting for 28 per cent of electricity generation, Dominica is the CARICOM member which consumes the largest proportion of its energy from renewable sources according to the newly released ECLAC study ‘Barriers to Identification and Implementation of Energy Efficiency Mechanisms and Enhancing Renewable Energy Technologies in the Caribbean’. Today, Dominica is at the forefront in the use of renewable sources of energy among the OECS countries, having achieved 28 per cent of its present electricity generation from hydropower and wind. Dominica aims to become energy self-…