{"id":13205,"date":"2025-05-29T18:42:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/?p=13205"},"modified":"2025-05-29T18:42:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:42:43","slug":"oecs-commission-champions-renewable-energy-capacity-building-at-17th-caribbean-renewable-energy-forum-cref-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/oecs-commission-champions-renewable-energy-capacity-building-at-17th-caribbean-renewable-energy-forum-cref-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"OECS Commission Champions Renewable Energy Capacity Building At 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is stepping up efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for its Member States. At the 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF), held in Miami from May 7\u20139, the OECS showcased its commitment to advancing renewable energy across the region.<\/p>\n

The event brought together energy leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the Caribbean to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels and toward more affordable, reliable, and climate-resilient energy solutions.<\/p>\n

Training for the energy transition<\/strong><\/p>\n

A major highlight was a hands-on training session led by the OECS Sustainable Energy Unit on\u00a0Photovoltaic (PV) System Impact and Hosting Capacity Studies<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 an essential tool to help utility companies better plan for solar energy on national power grids. Supported by the German development agency GIZ and the EU\u2019s Euroclima programme, the training equipped participants from six OECS utilities with the technical know-how to integrate solar power efficiently and safely.<\/p>\n

Kyle Farnum, Programme Director \u2013 Energy with the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM\/CARIFORUM said:<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe European Union is proud to support the OECS in advancing its renewable energy transition through targeted technical training and regional cooperation. This PV system integration training under the Euroclima programme reflects our commitment to building resilient energy systems that are both sustainable and people-centred. By partnering with the OECS and regional utilities, we are not only exchanging expertise but also co-creating solutions that will enable greater renewable energy uptake and energy security across the Caribbean.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Pooled procurement: A smart strategy for small states<\/strong><\/p>\n

OECS Sustainable Energy Programme Director, Judith Ephraim-Schmidt, also contributed to a panel discussion on\u00a0regional pooled procurement<\/strong>, a strategy that allows small countries to combine their buying power to reduce costs and improve access to renewable energy technologies. Drawing parallels from the OECS\u2019s successful pooled pharmaceutical purchasing, Ephraim-Schmidt underscored the potential to replicate this model for clean energy.<\/p>\n

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\u201cRegional collaboration is how we turn our size into strength,\u201d she noted. \u201cBy working together, we make renewable energy more affordable and accessible for all our people.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Geothermal Power: A game-changer for the Eastern Caribbean<\/strong><\/p>\n

The OECS delegation also played a leading role in discussions on geothermal energy, highlighting its potential to deliver stable, low-cost electricity across the region. Significant progress was reported in Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada\u2014with new drilling and exploration projects on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Grenada\u2019s Minister of Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy, Hon. Kerryne James, described the potential of a 15-megawatt geothermal plant to meet 40% of the country\u2019s energy needs, dramatically reducing costs for households and businesses.<\/p>\n

She praised the OECS\u2019 GEOBUILD programme, which supports geothermal development through knowledge-sharing and technical assistance:<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe GEOBUILD project\u2026 has been giving us the advantage and the environment for us to learn and grow from our regional partners\u2026 It has the potential of giving us not only energy security (but) the opportunity to redefine regional integration [and] redefine how we collaborate amongst ourselves in the region.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

OECS Decade of Action for Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n

These initiatives form part of the\u00a0OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development (2025\u20132035<\/strong>), launched earlier this year through the Basseterre Declaration. The Decade of Action aims to ensure that every OECS citizen has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy\u2014whether from the sun, wind, earth, or green hydrogen.<\/p>\n

Benefits for the region include:<\/p>\n

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