Sustainable Energy & Development News
VOL.1 SEPTEMBER 2012
THE MONTHLY REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT NEWS IN THE CARIBBEAN FROM THE REGION”S LEADING INFORMATION PLATFORMS.
This publication is prepared by the Caribbean Energy Information System. What’s Happening Now Across The Region... Jamaica’s Parliament liberalises Renewable Energy sector The Senate unanimously — showing bipartisan support for a diversified energy environment — followed the action of the House of Representatives by approving the Petroleum of Corporation of Jamaica (Extension of Functions) (Amendment) Order, removing the PCJ’s exclusive right to exploit and develop renewable resources in Jamaica. Read more Cuba’s Power Grid needs Renewable Energy Most of the electricity used in Cuba is produced in eight thermoelectric plants. Five years ago, the national electric grid was modernised with small and medium-capacity generators that mostly use fuel-oil, which is cheaper than diesel. Authorities hope to “boost the use of different sources of renewable energy, basically biogas, wind and hydraulic energy, biomass, solar, and others. Read more
‘Unite for Renewables’ REGIONAL renewable energy associations need to collaborate if they are to effectively tap into international financing for Alternative Energy sources, the use of which are seen as critical in the fight against global warming. Read more
Introducing
The Caribbean Information Platform on Petroleum Visit www.cippet.org today! The Caribbean Information Platform on Petroleum (CIPPET) was developed by the Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) headquartered at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in Jamaica. CIPPET will serve as a tool to facilitate the provision of Caribbean Petroleum Energy Information/ Statistics. CIPPET allows access to time series data on energy trends (Supply, Consumption, Transformation/ Electricity, Prices and other Social/Financial indicators) – available from 1985 to present for the Caribbean. Visit www. cippet.org to BE IN THE KNOW!
SEPTEMBER 2012 IN REVIEW BE IN THE KNOW ON RENEWABLE ENERGY
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28-9-2012 ||Ex-Im Bank finances solar power for Barbados PV project The Export-Import Bank of the United States has provided a $6.4m loan guarantee to finance the export of SolarWorld Americas solar modules to Barbados. Read more
CIPORE EVENTS, See All Events Energy Caribbean Conference 2012 October 2-3, 2012 Green Aruba Conference 2012 October 3- 5, 2012 CREF 2012 October 15- 17, 2012 Envirotech & Clean Energy Investor Summit 2012 November 7-8, 2012 MIA GREEN 2013 January 31- February 1, 2013
26-9-2012 ||Policy changes neccessary for Renewable Energy push in the Bahamas A change in policy is necessary to facilitate the Bahamas’ progression towards Renewable Energy according to the Head of a leading Renewable Energy firm. Read more 26-9-2012 ||New awards for Renewable Energy pioneers in small island developing States announced Renewable energy programmes and enterprises that will help vulnerable small island developing states transition to sustainable sources of power are today invited to enter for a new Awards category launched by leading green energy charity Ashden and supported by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program and SIDS DOCK. Read more 26-9-2012 || Spotlight || CREDP Final Evaluation Download 26-9-2012 ||St. Kitts & Nevis hosted three workshops on Sustainable Energy St. Kitts has completed the hosting of three workshops on Sustainable Energy. Three organizations working under the umbrella of two EUfunded initiatives, namely, the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Program and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Capacity Support (CRECS), co-hosted the three regional workshops on Sustainable Energy from September 10 -14, 2012 at the Marriott St. Kitts Resort. Read more
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26-9-2012 ||EXIM Bank lowers energy loan rates in Jamaica EXIM Bank Jamaica has again cut lending rates on its renewable energy loans for investment in energy-efficient equipment.The new rate on offer to small and medium enterprises in the productive sector is 8.5 per cent for Jamaican dollar loans, down from 9.75 per cent last September. The USD rate is 5.75 per cent. Read more 26-9-2012 ||Cuba increases use of Renewable Energy Cuba grew by four percent the use of renewable energy in its economy during 2011, compared with 2010, according to data from the National Statistics Office. Read more 25-9-2012 || Sustainable Energy focus for policy makers from Latin America and Caribbean A Sustainable Energy Training Seminar, attended by more than 50 government and industry representatives, focused on low-carbon energy policies and technologies, including energy efficiency and renewables. It brings together the latest analysis, approaches and best practices from around the world, such as energy portfolio modelling and technology-specific deployment roadmaps. Read more
Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum 2012 San Juan, Puerto Rico October 15-17, 2012
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24-9-2012 ||Sustainable Energy Workshops for Educator stakeholders in the Caribbean The Organization of American States (OAS) through its Department of Sustainable Development and the Energy Department of the Caribbean Community Secretariat is collaborating with the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to accelerate the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy in Caribbean countries. Read more 24-9-2012 ||New Commitments Announced at High-level SE4ALL Event A high-level luncheon on Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) spotlighted updates and announcements on the three goals of the initiative related to access, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Members of the SE4ALL High-Group, its technical group, and other partners outlined actions and new commitments made after the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), and plans for the future. Read more 22-9-2012 ||Jamaican Engineer tops Energy Innovation contest for Caribbean Jamaican Engineer Eaton Haughton, who for several years served as Managing Director of Econergy Engineering Services, and a pioneer for the provision of Energy Services in Jamaica and the Caribbean, has emerged as a winner of the 2012 IDEAS Energy Innovation contest for proposals to promote sustainable energy technologies in the Caribbean. Read more 19-9-2012 ||Jamaica seeks to utilize Wind Energy The Jamaican government is undertaking a wind mapping study to determine wind blowing patterns and the best sites for erecting wind farms across the island. Read more
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS, EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTS & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Apply for an International Ashden Award 2013 2012 Renewable Energy Projects of the Year Awards Energy facility call for proposal 2012 || To be launched in October 2012 RFP: To Participate in a Study Tour- Sustainable Energy UNDP Tender Notice: Carbon Reduction Emissions & Electrical Power Generation
19-9-2012 ||Suriname: 10,000 low income persons to obtain access to Clean Energy through green technologies The Multilateral Investment Fund, a member of the IDB Group, has approved a US$1.69 million loan that will help poor communities in Suriname access clean and reliable energy. This project will allow 10,000 low income persons, mostly from Maroon and Amerindian groups, to receive sustainable energy through small hydropower and solar installations. Read more 17-9-2012 ||IRENA releases Renewable Energy profiles for SIDS and the Caribbean The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a special edition of the “IRENA Renewable Energy Country Profiles for the Caribbean,” as well as the “IRENA Renewable Energy Country Profiles Special Edition on Islands,” which summarize the state of renewable energy in these areas. Read more 14-9-2012 ||Grenada breaks new ground in Renewable Energy with the Launch of the first Wind Farm Project in the OECS Sub Region Prime Minister Tillman Thomas signalled the beginning of the Wind Energy project on the sister Isle of Carriacou.The project is funded by a European Union (EU) grant of EUR 2.5M to the Government of Grenada which covers three quarters of the cost with the balance being financed by the Grenada Electricity Services Limited(GRENLEC) to the tune of EUR 1.4M. Read more 14-9-2012 ||More than $6 Million in prizes for winners in Jamaica’s Innovation Awards: Categories include Energy. Topping this year’s prizes is a whopping $2 million for the entrant adjudged the “Innovator of the Year”. A cash prize of $1 million will be awarded to the winner of the Outstanding Youth Innovator category, which is open to persons under the age of 30. Additionally, the recipient will be offered an internship with an entity for mentoring in aspects of business and other areas of development for entrepreneurs. Read more 14-9-2012 ||Cuban packages biogas in plastic bags for domestic use Six months ago, Daniel Garcia installed a biogas system at his pig farm to make use of that renewable energy source and obtain organic fertilizer, but after a few weeks the volume of fuel he produced exceeded his own needs and he decided to share it. Read more 14-9-2012 || St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Douglas tells the Caribbean that green energy is the destination and there is no turning back Over 150 Caribbean participants along with top level diplomats from the Governments of the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland and the United Nations have been told that no matter the area of focus – whether it is foreign policy, national security, telecommunications – they all rely and depend on, and indeed they all absolutely must have energy. Read more
14-9-2012 ||Montserrat initiates Environmental assessment for Geothermal project The Government of Montserrat has hired Barbados-based Atom Solutions for an Environmental and Social Assessment of planned exploration for a Geothermal power project on this Caribbean island state. Read more 13-9-2012 ||Caricom countries to work together on Renewable Rnergy Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have agreed to work together to ensure the region develops an adequate renewable energy programme, according to junior Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM) Julian Robinson. Read more 13-9-2012 ||Wind, Sun not ready – Turks and Caicos Islands Amid calls for Turks and Caicos to embrace fully wind and sun energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, a leading electricity supplier says that is not likely in the foreseeable future. Read more 12-9-2012 ||Guyana endorses US$506M construction deal in China for Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project According to a statement issued by the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement for the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro project and Transmission Line was executed in Xian, China, by Sithe Global, the developer, and China Railway First Group (CRFG), the construction company. Read more 7-9-2012 ||Inauguration ceremonies for Solar Renewable Energy projects held in Toledo, Belize Inauguration ceremonies for solar renewable energy projects at two rural schools were held in the Toledo District. Read more 4-9-2012 ||Use of Renewable Energy is crucial for Cuba’s Development Cubans continue to consider zones with high wind potential in the country to expand the use of this renewable energy source with new equipment, according to the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI). According to the Office, the island has thus far set up 15,598 wind energy equipment, mostly wind turbines and solar water heaters, of which 86.9 percent are in operation. Read more 3-9-2012 ||Third CSEF to focus on integrating Regional Energy Systems The Forum will place specific focus on the identification of strategies for functional co-operation among Member States in pursuit of the further development of the regional energy sector. CSEF III is also intended to facilitate input by stakeholders into the design of a regional level action plan that would be the basis for a coordinated approach to action in that regard. Read more
3-9-2012 ||Jamaica ripe for renewable energy investment Following a recent assessment of the rates paid to people who generate energy which is then sold to the grid, a recommendation is now on the table that will make it more attractive for investors to invest locally, said Robinson said, adding this will bring significant benefits to the energy consuming public. Read more
“Dear CIPORE, Having been involved in the very beginning of CIPORE, I am very happy to see what it has become. It has far exceeded my expectations. I am pleased to see the breadth and depth of information on the site and high level of use. For renewable energy professionals in the region it is a very useful tool for hunting for that next job or business opportunity. I can attest to that as I found my present job via CIPORE. Please keep up the good work and I encourage everyone who visits the site to tell someone new about it. Information sharing is what CIPORE is about.” LEIGHTON WATERMAN Caribbean Project Manager GVEP International West Indian International Tours Building Worthing Christ Church Barbados October 3, 2012
Enjoy using the Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy? We’ would love to share your story. Let us know what you think of CIPORE and how it has helped you get more done. … Let us know today by sending us your testimonial to support@cipore.org
2-9-2012 ||Scotiabank Jamaica offers single-digit loans for Renewable Energy Scotia Jamaica has created a new loan facility for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and homeowners wishing to purchase Renewable Energy systems.The loan offer, at a rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, is now available to SMEs and individual residential mortgage customers. Read more
Content Administrator, CIPORE Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS), Scientific Research Council (SRC), Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica W.I. 876-927-1779(w) | 876-977-1840(f) | ceis@src-jamaica.org www.ceis-caribenergy.org www.src-jamaica.org
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SEPTEMBER 2012 IN REVIEW
BE IN THE KNOW ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE 27-9-2012 ||Coastal radar station operational for Turks & Caicos Islands The $2.8 million dollar coastal radar station is complete, operators have been trained and it is up and running. Read more 27-9-2012 ||Cuba for Energy Sustainability on World Tourism Day Linking tourist activity to energy sustainability offers the opportunity to raising public awareness about the importance of saving, the need to find new formulas and the responsibility of this sector. Read more
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27-9-2012 ||Climate Change resilience project launched in Belize The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the government of Belize and with the support of the European Union, launched the project: “Enhancing Belize’s Resilience to Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change” at a ceremony held at the University of Belize in Belmopan. Read more 27-9-2012 ||Energy and Water projects officially launched in Barbados Acting Minister of the Environment and Drainage, George Hutson, turned on the switch that officially signaled the start of the Commission’s long anticipated water harvesting and photo voltaic projects during the National Arbor Day celebrations. Read more
BE IN THE KNOW ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE TOOL KITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS Steps to Developing an Energy Management Programme for your Company – Toolkit Environmental Management – Toolkit Energy Efficiency Toolkit For Manufacturers – Eight Proven Ways To Reduce Your Costs
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS YOU CAN USE! Energy Climate Partnership of the Americas Energy Efficiency GuidelinesSt. Lucia ( 2010) PSOJ Draft Baseline Study Report - Jamaica 4 March 2011 PSOJ Draft Baseline Study Report - TT May 13 Report on Project Launch Jamaica and Trinidad St. George’s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability
21-9-2012 ||OECS private sector discusses Green Economy The OECS Secretariat, in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean States’ (ECS) Brussels Mission, has brought together experts from the regional private sector and a number of international organisations to discuss opportunities for investments in “green technologies”. Read more 21-9-2012 ||Grenada and British Virgin Islands to co-host Environmental summit Grenada’s involvement in the summit is expected to result in the cashing in on significant financial resources to be used to conserve the coastal and marine environment and to boost sustainable sectors such as fisheries and tourism. Read more 21-9-2012 ||US investors go after recyclables in Jamaica SALE of Jamaica’s recyclable materials could be worth well past US$10 million ($890 million) a year. But the low level of used plastics, old corrugated cardboard and newspapers exported last year, totalling just US$2.4 million, suggests there is a gaping hole waiting to be filled. Read more 18-9-2012 ||Caribbean must step up oil spill emergency response With several Caribbean countries embracing offshore oil drilling, nations in the region need to strengthen their ability to combat emergencies stemming from deep-water wells. Read more 12-9-2012 ||Belize to host Wastewater Management workshop The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW), a four-year project that began in 2011 and is financed by a special arrangement that involves the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Governments of some Caribbean countries, will host its first regional workshop in Belize City, Belize, 18 – 19 September 2012 to introduce the concept of revolving funds. Read more 11-9-2012 ||Energy Efficiency project to be implemented in Dominica Energy efficiency experts are currently in Dominica to help set standards that will help in reducing the island’s energy consumption through the use of energy efficient household appliances. Read more 11-9-2012 ||Largest coral reef research facility in United States set to open in Florida Nova Southeastern University in Florida will soon debut a $50 million facility that will be the largest coral reef research centre in the United States. Read more 11-9-2012 ||Algae bloom in Jamaica’s Harbour…no cause for alarm The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising the public not to be alarmed by the discoloration presently occurring in the vicinity of Rae Town in the Kingston Harbour. The discoloration is due to algal bloom. Read more
11-9-2012 ||New Building Codes to maximize Energy use in Jamaica The country has now signed off on a new building code which seeks to maximize energy usage in new developments. Read more 10-9-2012 ||Caribbean coral reefs mostly dead according to study In the most comprehensive study yet of Caribbean coral reefs, scientists have discovered that the 50 to 60 percent coral cover present in the 1970s has plummeted to less than 10 percent. Read more 6-9-2012 ||DBJ’s Energy Audit Grant Programme (EAGP-001) This project will assist SMEs by providing a grant of at least J$200,000.00 to have an Energy Audit done on their facility. Read more 4-9-2012 ||Central American and Caribbean countries design plan for responsible fishing A group of delegates from the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Central America (Ospesca) and of the Community of Caribbean States (Caricom), meeting in Belize will intend to design a plan to protect marine resources. Read more
IPCC Scholarship Programme || Deadline: 30 September, 2012 The aim of the IPCC Scholarship Programme is to build capacity in the understanding and management of climate change in developing countries through providing opportunities for young scientists from developing countries to undertake studies that would not be possible without the intervention of the Fund.
Content Administrator, CIPORE Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS), Scientific Research Council (SRC), Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica W.I. 876-927-1779(w) | 876-977-1840(f) | ceis@src-jamaica.org www.ceis-caribenergy.org www.src-jamaica.org
Applications from students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) researching topics with the fields of study chosen for the call for applications are given priority. 2012 Applications Proposals should focus on one of the following fields of study: Socio-economic modeling related to climate change • Underlying science of climate change • Climate change and water Contact Details To obtain more information, please email or call: Amy SMITH Programme Coordinator Tel.: +41(22) 730 8208 IPCC-SP@wmo.int
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