Renewable Energy: A Caribbean Crossroad

The Caribbean is poised for a renewable energy revolution, and Dr. Koon Koon from theUniversity of the West Indies (Mona, Jamaica) is certain that the region has enormouspotential. Weaving through a multitude of issues related to the Caribbean’s energylandscape, the author guides the reader through the unique systems powering theCARICOM’s energy demand.Caribbean nations are challenged by crippling energy costs (roughly USD $0.35/kWh) andimport bills to fuel their growing economies. Although energy policy has been on the rise,some Caribbean states are not only lagging behind with fundamental changes, butsignificantly contribute to global carbon emissions (Trinidad and Tobago secured 3rd placefor global CO2 emissions per capita).With changing climate regimes in the region, renewable energy systems are becoming thecornerstones for change, providing ample opportunity for wind, solar and hydro systemsto proliferate. Yet the Caribbean faces many challenges. Economies of scale are not in theregion’s favour and major policy implementation is needed to open more doors forsustainable energy integration. There are leaders in the Caribbean however, and countriessuch as Jamaica, Belize and Suriname and ushering the region to the forefront of globalchange.Dr. Koon Koon suggests that the region needs to create major financial solutions to promotethe development of innovative energy projects. Through collaborative organizations likethe Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE), and the majoracademic institutions, the Caribbean can become a model region for the political,socioeconomic and cooperative changes needed to address modern energy issues.