Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP)

Submitted by katharina on 28 October 2011 - 11:22am

This project sought to remove barriers to Renewable Energy (RE) use in the Caribbean, through specific actions to overcome policy, finance, capacity, and awareness barriers, estimating the contribution of renewable energy sources to the Region’s energy balance to be significantly increased. It sought to further provide the opportunity to replace existing fossil fuel-based decentralized electricity generation with RE based generation plants or to provide electricity to areas not yet covered. The project was expected to implement measures to overcome barriers that are challenges to achieving a low emissions future for electricity power, resulting in a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

Key Information
28 October 2011
Timeframe: 
2004-2009
Case Study
Background: 

Conventional methods of electricity production were among significant contributors to air, land and water pollution and the primary sources of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, electricity generation was seen as a key aspect to economic development in the Caribbean countries, but exploitation of Renewable Energy (RE) lags far behind its potential. The main barriers to developing RE technologies related to inadequate policy framework, financing, human and institutional capacities and low awareness and information. Energy imports are also critical to the region’s balance of payments.

Results Achieved: 

In the five year period the following results were seen:
• A National Energy Policy Framework has been prepared and disseminated.
• Training courses: Biogas for electricity, Combined Heat & Power for the sugar industry, Hydropower, Solar Water Heating, Wind Energy systems and electric grid integration, RET Screen for energy ministries, electric utility companies, tertiary institutions, and private developers.
• Project website linked to CARICOM Secretariat’s website: http://www.caricom.org/jsp/projects/credp.jsp.
• Two 16-minute DVD’s: “Banking on Nature” and “Securing Renewable Energy”.

Main Activities: 

The tools used during the project included:
• Capacity building and awareness raising campaign for policy makers.
• Innovative financing mechanisms for renewable energy product and projects.
• Tool of KM: documentation and dissemination of CREDP experience.

Future Replicability
Lessons Learned: 

The lack of consistent energy policies hampered private sector participation, international (Bank) rating of benefiting countries, and knowledge of and confidence in RE/Energy Efficiency (EE) Technologies
• Governments needed to: (1) Formulate and implement sustainable energy policies and action plans; (2)Reform and liberalize the energy sector but with adequate regulatory framework; and (3) Ensure greater coordination between ministries and agencies interfacing with RE/EE project development and implementation.
• Electric Utilities needed to move towards RE/EE, energy conservation, prepare for competition from IPP’s, learn about new energy technologies, applications and operation.
• Banks needed to recognize the importance of RE/EE for development, recognize challenges for RE and EE investments and design solutions.
• Electricity consumers needed to learn about and apply energy saving methods, appreciate the value of electricity and its usage, accept the consequences of use of RE, prepare for higher electricity prices, if sustainable energy practices are not used.

Key to Success for Future Replicability: 

• Governmental commitment to incorporate RE industries.
• Inter-agency collaboration.
• Tertiary level Environment and Energy programs provided human and technical resources.

Recommended Follow-Up:
GEF Monitoring, Evaluation and reporting rules; and preparation of the annual harmonized Project Implementation Review (PIR) / Annual Project Report (APR).

The Project Manager prepared: Progress Reports; Project Inception Report; Annual Project Report (APR), Project implementation Review (PIR); and Project Terminal Report and Audits.

Contacts: 

Focal point(s) in lead country/organization
Patsy ROSS, UNDP
patsy.ross@undp.org