Mrs. Sandra Britton, Programme Manager and Mr. Brian Constantine, Project Officer of the CARICOM Secretariat’s Energy Unit, participated in the 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF), held in Miami, Florida, in May 2025. Their participation underscores CARICOM’s strategic focus on mobilising investments, accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and enhancing regional energy cooperation.

CREF is one of the largest annual forums that brings together regional and international leaders with a shared mission: to drive investment in clean, resilient, and self-sufficient energy grids throughout the Caribbean.

The Forum offered a valuable opportunity for engagement in high-level discussions on strengthening energy systems, unlocking sustainable financing mechanisms, and spotlighting cutting edge innovations. Its dynamic sessions and networking engagements helped to reinforce the urgency and ambition needed to scale up renewable energy adoption across CARICOM Member States

SEYA is being offered for the first time and targets persons between the ages of 16 and 35 years, while the WISE award has been offered twice before. The awards seek to recognise the important roles of women and youth in the energy sector as professionals, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and consumers and highlight the importance of gender diversity to enhance the success of the clean energy transition.

The initiatives profile and celebrate women and youth who demonstrate dedication, innovation, creativity, and commitment to the community, by taking action on the energy transition at the community, national, regional, or international levels and in public, private, and civil society sectors.

Nominations will close on 28 February 2025. Thereafter, a panel of judges will review and shortlist the prospective honourees. The awards will be presented later this year.

Interested Caribbean citizens and residents may access additional information and nomination forms here.

Speaking at the ceremony, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, were Guyana’s Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Phillips, Brigadier (Retired), Guyana’s Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, EU representative to Guyana, Mr. Daniele De Bernardi, Executive Director of the CCCCC, Colin Young Ph.D., and CEO of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Shaik Baksh. 

In his remarks, Dr. Young emphasised the historic and transformative nature of the project for both the government and the people of Guyana. He pointed out that this project exemplifies the CCCCC’s approach to water security in the Caribbean and added that it provides benefits that extend well beyond merely offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

“The more important and tangible benefits of the project is its contribution to building climate resilience and enhancing the water security for 16,000 people in 4500 households across 18 communities.  For these communities, this investment looms large and will make a significant, lasting, and positive impact on their lives; the investment also provides GWI with redundancy to ensure water reliability and availability in the event of climatic shocks to the grid,” Dr. Young said.

The project, funded by the EU under the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) Regional Programme, came at a value of €654,000. Speaking on behalf of the EU, Mr. De Bernardi noted that collaborating with agencies and organisations to tackle common challenges, such as climate change, is a central mission of the European Union.

“The EU has a longstanding tradition of supporting sustainable development and environmental protection around the world. Climate change knows no borders, and its impacts are felt across nations. This is why climate global cooperation is crucial,” he reiterated, adding that  “as part of its commitments to address global climate challenges, the European Union is proud to stand with the Guyanese Government in its efforts to tackle climate change,” Bernardi shared.  

This is the first renewable energy project of its kind for the GWI, a 300-kilowatt photovoltaic system at its Water Treatment Plant in Berbice. This landmark initiative according to Prime Minister Phillips aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which the government has expanded to include broader environmental services, integrated water resources management, and climate resilience, reflecting a vision that balances economic growth and environmental responsibility. 

“As Guyana steadily continues along its path toward energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience, the completion of this photovoltaic system is a defining moment that reflects the synergy between ambition and action. It also demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts that prioritise the well-being of people and the planet,” the Prime Minister emphasised. 

The GCCA+ Programme, valued at €12 Million, supported climate-compatible development across 16 CARIFORUM countries through various initiatives, including: 

• Strengthening climate observation and monitoring networks. 
• Developing climate-resilient water infrastructure. 
• Enhancing public education and awareness on climate change. 
• Building regional technical capacity on climate risk management. 

This project serves as a model for other Caribbean nations pursuing climate-resilient development. The CCCCC remains committed to supporting all CARICOM Member States in their efforts to address the challenges of climate change through sustainable and innovative solutions. (Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre Press Release)

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About the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).  

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an intergovernmental organisation established by the Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to coordinate the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change. The CCCCC also serves as a delivery partner for climate finance for the region, a repository for regional climate change information and data provider of climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the CARICOM Member States.  

SEYA is being offered for the first time and targets persons between the ages of 16 and 35, while the WISE award has been offered twice before. The awards seek to recognise the important roles of women and youth in the energy sector as professionals, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and consumers. They also seek to highlight the importance of gender diversity to enhance the success of the clean energy transition.

These initiatives profile and celebrate women and youth who demonstrate dedication, innovation, creativity, and commitment to the community, by taking action on the energy transition at the local, national, regional, or international levels, in public, private, and civil society sectors.

Nominations will close on 31 December 2024. Thereafter, a panel of judges will review and shortlist the honourees. The awards will be presented in 2025.

Caribbean citizens and residents can access additional information and nomination forms here.

The call for nominations is one of the activities of the 2024 CARICOM Energy Month observed in November.

The group was the first of four cohorts of tertiary-level students who will tour the Secretariat each Friday in November as part of the activities to observe CARICOM Energy Month 2024.

The 400-kilowatt solar generation project, which comprises servers, batteries, and 1,500 solar panels, was undertaken through a US$17.8M grant agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Japan, of which US$7M was earmarked for the plant.

This project serves as an example of the transformation that can take place in public buildings across the Region and how the Region can utilise the renewable energy resources at its disposal to move towards greater energy efficiency and resilience.

See more photos here

Please read below the press release issued on behalf of CCREEE:

Rum and Sargassum Inc., a local deep-tech start-up, and The University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus have launched the first vehicle powered by bio-compressed natural gas (CNG). The bio-CNG uses rum distillery wastewater and a sargassum-based biomethane, an innovative fuel source derived from the invasive seaweed which is plaguing the region’s coasts.

The seasonal issue posed by sargassum on the island’s beaches is now being turned into a valuable resource as the country seeks to achieve its goal of becoming a 100 per cent renewable energy and carbon-neutral island state by 2030. The project, spearheaded by Rum and Sargassum Inc., is an achievement for sustainable development in the Caribbean, thanks to partners like the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE).

Dr. Legena Henry and her team from the Renewable Energy Development Laboratory at the Cave Hill Campus are the innovators of the biomethane fuel. Speaking during the launch of the vehicle, she said, “UWI Cave Hill Campus is really an incubator for creativity and innovation. Why I celebrate Cave Hill so much is because Barbados is a creative society, and we are leading the region right now in the energy transition.”

Additionally, she drew attention to the contributions from The CCREEE, stating that the regional body has been incredibly supportive of the project. Dr. Henry noted that the launch of the bio-CNG vehicle would not have been possible without The CCREEE, which offered the use of its electric car for the test drive. It is now the flagship vehicle bearing the slogan ‘Runs on Sargassum’.

Building on this success, Dr. Henry also outlined the next phase of the project, which involves establishing a biogas station. She said they currently have a small station at the Guinea Estate on four acres of agricultural land and described it as a perfect example of the circular nature of this process. She explained that “the digestate feeds the land, but the gas fuels cars,” creating a sustainable solution that benefits both agriculture and transportation.

In his remarks, Professor Clive Landis, Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor of The UWI Cave Hill, praised Dr. Henry for embodying Cave Hill’s mission to “create value from ideas.” His comments came as he suggested that Dr. Henry’s work represents the next phase of The UWI’s strategy to evolve into an entrepreneurial university capable of leveraging research excellence to benefit society.

“Dr Henry is, firstly, leveraging her research on how to convert sargassum into biofuel to create value in society by tackling this pernicious environmental scourge,” Professor Landis stated, adding, “secondly, she is creating value for the university itself because the Cave Hill Campus is an equity partner in the venture. Taking an idea through the so-called tech transfer funnel, all the way from the point of conception to the successful pilot stage that we have witnessed today, the point at which it is ready for scale-up and investment, takes persistence and determination.”

Professor Landis hinted that the sargassum-powered vehicle is just the beginning. He said The UWI plans to introduce other sargassum-based innovations soon, including products for pest control and diabetes treatment.

Meanwhile, in her address, Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business, lauded the project as a significant milestone in Barbados’ renewable energy journey. She underscored the fact that Barbados has 150,000 fossil fuel vehicles, and this innovation is important in the transportation sector as Barbados strives to meet its net-zero carbon emissions goals.

“Electrification and the use of renewables in transportation are critical for our energy transition,” Minister Cummins noted, adding that the project has the potential to “change the hearts and minds” of the Barbadian public regarding transitioning to renewable energy.

Minister Cummins also highlighted the broader potential of sargassum beyond Barbados, urging the region to embrace the opportunity. “This is a regional and a global first-mover opportunity. Barbados has pioneered a technology that can change the way the entire Caribbean treats to transportation, and I want us to not take that for granted,” she said, expressing confidence that Barbados will continue to lead in renewable energy.

The launch event was hosted by Rum and Sargassum Inc. and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados. Sponsors included The CCREEE, The UWI, NGC Green Company Limited, the National Petroleum Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, TOSL Engineering Limited, and RL Mark & Company.

For more information, contact

Dr. Pamala Proverbs

1-246-230-5979

“This initiative is both critical and timely, given the importance of electricity in improving lives and livelihoods. It is well-positioned to benefit rural populations, support CDB’s mission to provide affordable, clean, sustainable, reliable, and renewable energy to our client countries, and contribute to the broader goal of promoting sustainable development and climate resilience in the Region.”

(Via Caribbean Development Bank): August 23, 2024 – BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) has approved a USD 5 million grant to fund a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to electricity for several rural communities in Haiti, where residents currently rely on candles, kerosene, dry wood, and charcoal for lighting and cooking.

The CDB First Power (Rural Electrification Mini-Grid) – Haiti Project is a key component of the Haitian Programme of Access to Solar Energy for Rural Communities. It involves the operationalisation of previously constructed energy mini-grids designed to function independently of the main grid. Key activities include expanding the low-voltage distribution network, connecting customers, procuring a competent operator, implementing a viable business model, and integrating a Gender Policy and Action Plan for the Energy Sector in Haiti.

Currently, only 40% of Haiti’s 10.7 million inhabitants have access to electricity, with just 10% of the rural population having reliable energy sources. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving the Government of Haiti’s long-term goal of providing reliable, modern, and affordable energy to all its citizens by 2030.

The project builds on the Rural Electrification and Women’s Empowerment initiative, jointly executed by the Government of Haiti and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial contributions from the Government of Japan and UNDP. CDB’s investment accounts for 43% of the total project cost of USD 11.73 million, with the remaining USD 6.73 million provided by the Haitian government.

CDB Sustainable Energy Specialist, Mrs Charmaine Gill-Evans, emphasised that this effort is in keeping with the Bank’s mandate to promote a just energy transition in the Caribbean and represents a significant advancement in addressing the energy needs of Haiti’s underserved rural areas.

“This initiative is both critical and timely, given the importance of electricity in improving lives and livelihoods. It is well-positioned to benefit rural populations, support CDB’s mission to provide affordable, clean, sustainable, reliable, and renewable energy to our client countries, and contribute to the broader goal of promoting sustainable development and climate resilience in the Region,” said Mrs Gill-Evans.

She added that the effort underscores CDB’s commitment to “Partnerships for Resilient Prosperity,” the theme of its 54th Annual Meeting held in Ottawa, Canada, in June.

Previously, CDB provided grant funding for initiatives in Haiti, which included training on developing Geospatial Information System maps and creating mini-grid specifications for integration into future Requests for Proposals.

Dr. Nagdee, a Barbadian national, emerged as the successful candidate during a rigorous three-stage recruitment process that was initiated in December 2023.

Dr. Nagdee has a wealth of experience and a proven track record in climate change diplomacy, strategic planning, and the mobilisation of resources toward environmental sustainability and energy security in the Caribbean. He previously served as the Head of the Nature, Climate, and Energy Programme at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. During his tenure at the UNDP, he successfully led the development and channelling of new resources for sustainable development projects and initiatives in the region.

With a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management from the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Nagdee also brings a robust academic foundation to his new role. His background includes extensive involvement with global environmental funds, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

“Dr. Nagdee’s appointment comes at a crucial time for The CCREEE as we strive to improve our region’s energy security and its resilience to the climate crisis,” said Dr. James Fletcher, Chairman of The CCREEE. “His impressive track record in resource mobilisation, his experience in strategic project coordination, and his ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships” assure us that The CCREEE’s leadership is in capable hands.”

The CCREEE looks forward to Dr. Nagdee’s leadership in continuing to drive our initiatives forward, working closely with our Member States, and collaboratively with regional and international partners to achieve sustainable energy solutions for the Caribbean.

For more information about The CCREEE and its initiatives, please visit www.ccreee.org

About The CCREEE

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is a specialised institution of the Caribbean Community dedicated to increasing energy security, reducing energy vulnerability, and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in all sectors in the CARICOM countries.

CCREEE Press Release

13 July 2024

The SKN-100 project is being financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by the Barbados-based Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE).

Delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the project recently, the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley, said that decarbonisation is not merely an environmental imperative but an economic and social necessity. Noting that the project will help propel the country towards a sustainable future, he said its first stage has already seen the Alexandra Hospital in Nevis installing solar PV, resulting in the healthcare facility using 30 percent less power.

He stated, “The adverse effects of climate change pose a significant threat to the stability and prosperity of nations worldwide, particularly small island states like ours. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is crucial for mitigating these risks, promoting energy independence, and ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our communities. Through this project, we are taking decisive action to address these challenges, setting a precedent for responsible and resilient growth.”

Premier Brantley further highlighted the impact of climate change on the Caribbean region, referring to the recent Category 5 Hurricane Beryl. He pointed out that a significant portion of the region’s debt is due to the need for continual borrowing for rebuilding after such climatic events. Therefore, he stressed the need for increased assistance from the developed world, stating, “We are being asked to cash the check that we did not write. We are the ones who have been asked to carry the burden and to rebuild.”

In his remarks, Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, and Domestic Transport, also spoke about the specific vulnerabilities of small island developing states to climate change.

“Never before have we had a category five hurricane in the Caribbean region at the beginning of July. This is unheard of, and it is scary to think of what the future holds for us. And it is particularly scary because, as mentioned, we do not contribute anything to the changing weather patterns that we have or to the changing climate. Yet, we have to then find 20 to 30 to 40 percent of our social expenditure just to rebuild every time we get on a sound footing, compared to maybe about one percent for many developed countries. So, these catastrophic events underscore the urgent need for robust climate action, making initiatives like this crucial for mitigating impacts and building resilience in our energy sector,” the Energy Minister contended.

In setting the context of the project, Senator the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, expressed appreciation to GEF, UNEP, and the CCREEE for their assistance in bringing the project to fruition. Minister Clarke explained that the project closely aligns with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 61 percent by 2030. As such, she stated her ministry’s commitment to supporting the Energy Ministry in integrating climate action and energy resilience into mainstream policies while ensuring a direct link between GHG emission reduction and the new energy sector.

In her remarks, Ruth Zugman do Coutto, Chief of the Mitigation Branch in the Climate Change Division of UNEP, commended St. Kitts and Nevis for its leadership in the Caribbean in addressing climate change. She added that the project, if successful, will also decrease the country’s reliance on imported oil and improve its energy security and balance of payments.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Head of Technical Programmes, Dr. Devon Gardner, explained that as the executing agency, the CCREEE was looking forward to overseeing the project’s day-to-day operations. Dr. Gardner also highlighted the Caribbean’s potential to help the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while pointing out the unprecedented opportunities for the region to shift its energy systems away from fossil fuels.

“Democratisation of energy on the macro scale will also allow our countries to diversify their economies from the overdependence on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, which are very climate-sensitive, to dependence on much more robust sectors, such as energy,” the CCREEE official stated.

Through the three-year project, St Kitts and Nevis intends to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhance its energy security and independence, stabilise energy prices, and create new economic opportunities through the development of the sustainable energy sector.

CCREEE Press Release

10 July 2024