Basseterre, St. Kitts – Officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, and Domestic Transport attended the Sixth Regional Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Latin America and the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic from September 10 – 12, 2024. Assistant Secretary Tiffany Hodge and Energy Officer Denasio Frank joined their regional colleagues for the pivotal meeting to facilitate the transition to solar energy.
Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean Under the Leadership of the International Solar Alliance
The Sixth Regional Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Latin America and the Caribbean has been a platform for significant commitments by regional leaders concerning energy transition. Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director-General of ISA, opened the session by reaffirming solar energy’s crucial role in the region.
“Strengthening capacities is essential to implement large-scale solar projects. ISA is committed to training professionals in the sector, from engineers to government officials, to ensure a fair and efficient energy transition,” Mathur stated, emphasizing that solar energy is both a tool for improving people’s lives and a profitable investment for countries.
The Urgency of Energy Resilience in the Caribbean
Kerryne James, Minister of Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy of Grenada, who chaired the event, underscored the need to transform energy systems in the Caribbean islands.
“Natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl demonstrate how urgent it is for our islands to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. We must adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to better face these challenges with greater resilience,” she declared.
According to James, adopting renewable energy enhances energy security and contributes to sustainable economic growth in the region.
The Success of the STAR Center in Cuba and its Potential for the Region
Dr. LÃdice Vaillant Roca, a scientist from the University of Havana, shared the achievements of the STAR Center (Solar Technology Application Resource Center) in Cuba, where professionals are trained in solar technologies.
“This center has trained dozens of engineers and technicians in the installation and maintenance of solar panels, and I am confident it will serve as an example for other countries in the region,” Vaillant stated, emphasizing the need to harmonize international regulations to expand such initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean.
A Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy Future
The Dominican Republic, represented by Vice Minister of Energy Rafael Gómez, continues to advance toward a diversified energy matrix.
“With 27 renewable energy projects underway, we are committed to ensuring the country’s energy security while reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” Gómez affirmed.
These efforts are part of a broader plan to strengthen climate resilience and meet Sustainable Development Goals.
The International Solar Alliance and its Impact on the Region
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), founded in 2016 during COP21 in Paris, is a global cooperation platform focused on the massive expansion of solar energy. With over 100 member countries, ISA aims to accelerate the adoption of solar technologies, improve energy access, and ensure energy security.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 23 countries are already part of this initiative, including Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Jamaica, Grenada and Peru. Countries like Bolivia, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic have signed the ISA Framework Agreement but still need to ratify it.
ISA has established STAR Centers in several countries, such as Cuba, to train professionals and policymakers in solar technologies to replicate this model across the region. Initiatives such as the solarization of hospitals in Guyana and the development of regulatory frameworks further position ISA as a critical player in the global energy transition.
Perspectives from St. Kitts and Nevis
Energy Officer Denasio Frank informed that St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) is making strides in adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, with approximately 2 MW currently installed, representing less than 1% of the total installed capacity. However, the country anticipates a significant increase in this figure following the completion of regulations for small-scale distributed renewable energy systems.
Fostering Meaningful Connections
ISA officials presented information about the organization’s STAR Centres, which offer comprehensive training on various solar technologies such as solar PV, solar water heaters, and solar water pumps. SKN’s team updated ISA on establishing a similar center in St. Kitts, the Centre of Excellence at CFBC.
ISA expressed the intention to foster collaborations in the future, while neighbouring countries in the region emphasized the necessity of a STAR Centre in the OECS to address the specific needs of the region, thereby enhancing training opportunities in the field of solar energy.
Outlook
Looking ahead, the Energy Unit of SKN plans to engage with ISA to explore potential collaborations and leverage their resources for projects and initiatives to facilitate the transition to 100% renewable energy electricity generation. This partnership promises to advance SKN’s renewable energy goals and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
Pathway to a Sustainable Future
The International Solar Alliance continues working with governments, the private sector, and international organizations to ensure that Latin America and the Caribbean lead toward a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.
