Alternative Energy Policy Objectives:

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying energy sources are two priority policy objectives common throughout the Caribbean.  Regional economies remain increasingly vulnerable to the behavior of oil prices on international markets, as generation capacity in the electricity sector remains highly concentrated in fossil fueled plants.  Rising fuel prices continue to erode the trade balance of the economies in the region, as the cost of imports remains in excess of foreign currency earnings from tourism, manufacturing and other export activities.

Alternative Energy in the Caribbean

Our strategic market research publication, Market Dynamics Caribbean, brought over 60 headlines in January and February from across the region for Alternative Energy in the Caribbean.
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Top Caribbean Alternative Energy Headlines for January and February 2013:

Antigua & Barbuda

• Aligned with the National Energy Policy, government commences the installation of solar panels at Ministries.
• Solar panels for the airport, Mt. St. John’s Med Center are pending House of Assembly approval.
• Private consumers begin generating up to 50 kWh for the national grid.
• A&B has launched its first renewable energy project with the installation of a 6-kW independent PV system.

Aruba

• Parliament approves the Urirama wind turbine project.

Bahamas

• Project for 40-room hotel in Exuma will capitalize on wind and solar energy solutions.
• Government will reevaluate energy legislation to boost renewable energy, increase self-generation and provide for net metering.
• Alternative Power Solutions (APS) Bahamas partners with Commonwealth Bank to reduce costs of alternative energy system purchases and installation.
• Facor Energy hopes to build a waste-to-energy plant in New Providence.

Barbados

• The Central Bank projects that alternative energy could account for over 25% of the island’s supply over 5 years.
• The implementation of solar, wind, waste-to-energy and biomass plants could lower fuel imports by (20)% by 2017.
• Agrofest took place in Feb. under the renewable energy theme: “Renewable Energy: Leading the Charge into the Future”.

Belize

• Data shows that the country derives 65% of its energy from fossil fuels.
• The country spends nearly 10% of GDP on fossil fuel imports, as domestic production covers only about 12% of fossil fuel needs.
• The Minister indicates that the country aims to reach 30% of energy needs from renewables by 2030.
• Low levels of rainfall and low production at Belize Cogeneration Energy Limited have driven BEL to purchase more power from Mexico.
• BELTRAIDE’s new online magazine Invest Belize highlights Alternative Energy opportunities in Belize.

Cuba

• The World Conference on Wind Power will take place in Cuba on June 3-5, 2013.
• The Minister of Energy and Mines will focus efforts in 2013 on development and installation sugarcane biomass, solar and wind.
• The wind park at Gibara has saved the country 12,000 tons of fuel imports since it became operational in 2008.

Dominica

• MP Norris Prevost requests analysis comparing geothermal energy production to hydroelectric power.

Dominican Republic

• A total of 500 solar energy systems will be installed in Espaillat to provide energy for community centers and residences.
• The second phase of the Los Cocos Wind Farm has been inaugurated.
• The CNE signed an agreement with US-based WCG Energy for the installation of a 50MW solar plant in Monte Plata.
• Remix Solar has installed two PV plants in San Cristóbal with bidirectional meters.
• Six new farms in DomRep will generate their own electricity with the construction of anaerobic bio-digesters.
• The government is exploring the construction of two hydroelectric dams, one in Jarabacoa and the other in Madrigal.
• Hydroelectric Generator (Egehid) indicates that 2012 was the second best year on record for production with 1,795 GWh.

Grenada

• The Government of Grenada will legislate Renewable Electricity Portfolio Standards.
• Renewable Energy Special Purpose Vehicles (RESPVs) will be established for electricity generation.

Guyana

• The government installs PV system to generate US $1MM in savings per annum.
• President Ramotar highlights the importance of promoting renewables for consumer and industrial sectors as part of the 2013 Budget.
• A total of 43 low capacity solar systems have been installed in villages along the upper Mahaica River.
• The Building and Construction Expo will be held from July 5 to 7 at the Guyana National Stadium.
• Guyana and Brazil have begun discussions on infrastructure projects, including the construction of hydroelectric plant.
• The IDB anticipates that due diligence for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project will complete mid-year.
• The government has set the deadline for registration for the micro-hydro tender for March 19.
• The Albion demonstration plant is expected to produce its first liter of ethanol this month.

Guyana

• The government installs PV system to generate US $1MM in savings per annum.
• President Ramotar highlights the importance of promoting renewables for consumer and industrial sectors as part of the 2013 Budget.
• A total of 43 low capacity solar systems have been installed in villages along the upper Mahaica River.
• The Building and Construction Expo will be held from July 5 to 7 at the Guyana National Stadium.
• Guyana and Brazil have begun discussions on infrastructure projects, including the construction of hydroelectric plant.
• The IDB anticipates that due diligence for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project will complete mid-year.
• The government has set the deadline for registration for the micro-hydro tender for March 19.
• The Albion demonstration plant is expected to produce its first liter of ethanol this month.

Jamaica

• The government plans to award licenses for renewable energy projects of up to 115MW of capacity this year.
• The government has launched an energy-saving initiative geared towards street lighting, which will be rolled out the next six months.
• US-based Green Energy RG LLC will begin local manufacturing operations as soon as Q2’13.
• The deadline for the 115MW renewables tender has been pushed out two months to June.
• The Petroleum Company of Jamaica (PCJ) has published extensive information on renewables on its website, available at www.pcj.com.
• JPS indicates the New Maggotty Hydroelectric Power Plant in St Elizabeth is tracking to complete on time in November.

Puerto Rico

• Western Wind has redesigned their 30MW solar project in Yabucoa.
• PR and Spain have signed an agreement to cooperate on renewable energy.

Saint Kitts & Nevis

• WIPN asserts that geothermal energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels in Nevis.
• Minister of Energy calls for the incorporation of alternative energy sources in the SKELEC system.

Sint Maarten (D)

• The government provides an update on the plans for the waste-to-energy plant to be built at the Philipsburg landfill. 

Suriname

• UK–based Guguplex rolls out its solar energy project aimed at providing low cost energy in rural communities.
• The VHP party has presented its National Energy Policy for 2015-2030.

Trinidad & Tobago

• InvesTT has signed an agreement with SiTeK to commission a feasibility study for an industrial complex for solar and other renewable projects.
• The Energy Ministry hosted a Special Meeting of COTED, focused on the approval of the Energy Policy and the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS).

Turks & Caicos

• The government met with Fortis to discuss options for improving energy efficiency, and introducing self-generation and net metering.

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