The Minister responsible for Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, the Hon. Amanda Misick recently lead a delegation to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) -Martinique Conference on Island Energy Transitions: Pathways for Accelerated Uptake of Renewables, held last month in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The event was based on the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses Initiative, which aims to mobilize $500 million USD, deploy 100 MegaWatts(MW) of new solar photovoltaic power, deploy 20 MW of new wind power and ensure that all participating SIDS create renewable energy roadmaps within the initial 5-year timeframe.
Under this initiative, the Martinique Island Energy Conference set forth a Martinique Action Plan (MAP) which proposed a concrete set of actions to accelerate the uptake of renewables, in particular wind, geothermal and marine technologies. Actions included the development of a Grid Integration Framework for islands as well as the creation of a network for islands to share resources, knowledge, experiences and strategies for expanding the use of renewables.
“Given the initiatives currently being undertaken, I welcome the exposure and networking opportunities as well as being able to get a better understanding of the development as well as the benefits of renewables within the region” noted Hon. Missick. “The exposure gives us the opportunity to see how similar countries are tapping into available resources to implement alternative energy options and curb rising energy cost for its population.”
The Minister was accompanied by Ms. Sparkle Prentice, Energy Analyst in the Department of Energy and Utilities and Ms. Kathy Walkin, Head of Secretariat for the Ministry.
Among the models showcased at the conference from which the Turks and Caicos can benefit were grid integration examples in Seychelles, São Tomé, King Island and Mauritius, as well as grid stability studies from Barbados, Palau and Martinique. Also showcased were suitable biomass and waste-to-energy applications in Palau and the Maldives, as well as options for renewable desalination systems in Anguilla and St. Barts.
The conference, which highlighted the need for enabling frameworks for renewables investments and advancement through renewable energy project partnerships, was a milestone in the implementation of the Lighthouses goals for the UNFCCC 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21). The progress of the Martinique Action Plan will be showcased at COP21 in November and December.
