‘CHANGING THE ENERGY LANDSCAPE’: Fortis TCI’s energy conference explores renewable energy solutions

Transitioning from non-renewable energy sources to clean renewable energy requires technological advancements, millions of dollars in investment, and a societal push towards sustainability.

The world’s energy systems are undergoing rapid transitions triggered by simultaneous shifts in technological development, regulations, consumer preferences, and investor sentiment, the Turks and Caicos Islands is exploring ways to adapt to these changes.

The multi-layered process, national measures and regulations needed to transition the territory to a sustainable energy future were the highlight of FortisTCI’s Energy forum held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Resort on Friday, June 2, 2023.

The energy conference featured several panel discussions on topics including; sustainable solutions, accessing funding, the labour market’s transition and the impact of post-pandemic trends, geopolitical impacts on the supply chain, and many other subjects relating to the transition to renewable energy.

TCI’s Premier Hon Charles

Washington Misick and Minister of Education Hon Rachel Taylor were among 20 influential experts with diverse perspectives and broad expertise who provided unique insights on the theme: ‘Changing the Energy Landscape – People. Power. Partnerships’.

Farayi Chipungu, an Attorney, Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School and Government, and Change Management Expert, delivered a keynote presentation on Adaptive Leadership: Driving Fundamental Change.

Her presentation highlighted research, real-world examples, and core principles to help navigate the critical changes required.

Chipungu underscored that adaptive work demands responses outside our current way of thinking.

She said: “It also requires running small experiments, celebrating, and learning from failures. The work of leadership is not a solo sport.

“Capacity has to be built across the value chain to execute change… the people with the problem tend to be a part of it but are also the solution.”

A spotlight presentation on how changes to energy sector regulations can create an enabling environment and the importance of maintaining an equilibrium in the electricity sector to prevent inefficient and adverse outcomes was delivered by advisor and visiting scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Energy Initiative, Dr Carlos Battle Batlle-Lopez, He stressed that a regulatory path has to be designed urgently, and the changes should be gradually introduced to avoid big shocks. Dr Batlle-Lopez noted that consumers must understand the path and what this means.

Sustainable Future

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly, delivered opening remarks at the conference on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, Hon Otis Chuck Morris.

Connolly emphasised that her government has prioritised the transition to renewable energy and is committed to implementing policies, legislation and injecting funding to support this transition to a more sustainable future.

She said: “Our commitment to building a sustainable energy future is unwavering.

We recognise that the path to sustainability lies in reducing our carbon footprint enhancing energy efficiency and embracing renewable energy sources.

“We have made strides in this direction despite being met with many setbacks.”

She added that fostering a vibrant green economy that ensures the well-being and prosperity of our citizens for generations to come not only has to be sustainable, but just.

“It must benefit all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the most equitable way. Ensuring that the cost…to the consumer is manageable, while balancing the needs of all parties involved.”

Connolly explained that the Turks and Caicos Islands like many other small nations, face unique challenges in the face of climate change.

She pointed out that energy security is a crucial issue for these islands, which rely heavily on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs

“We are confronted with the undeniable reality of climate change, and the pressing need to transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape… making it imperative for us to adapt swiftly and decisively.”

She noted that the territory, just as many other countries in the region, struggles with a higherthan-normal cost of energy which is of pressing concern to the government.

“As we see how it impacts the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the short term, the government has shown its commitment to addressing this issue by subsidising fuel costs on electricity bills for residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“And we have implemented tax incentives in the form of reduced customer tariffs to encourage the uptake of renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“While these are short-term fixes, and more needs to be done, my government is looking at how