A Bold New Caribbean

In the face of climate crises, price volatility, and growing energy insecurity, the global commu- nity has been looking for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprints and reliance on fossil fuels. The global renewable energy sector is valued at US$988 billion 1 , and countries con- tinue to supercharge their transition to more eco-friendly alternatives and strengthen their domestic energy security. Caribbean Islands, for instance, benefit from year-round access to natural dispositions that can be adapted and exploited to help its citizens and economy. Research has shown that the region possesses tremendous renewable energy potential and a competitive advantage in solar, wind, and geo- thermal energy 2 . The question remains: How can policymakers and private sector stakeholders collaborate to maximize its potential, increasing economic growth and development? The Caribbean holds approximately 45,000 megawatts in renewable energy potential 3 , pos- sessing the ability to develop a regional ecosys- tem that leverages over 300 days of sunshine, volcanic topography, and greater maritime borders. Caribbean government and private sector entities have appreciated the potential of sun, wind and sea beyond attracting tourist as a means of powering their future. Some Ca- ribbean islands have set up several projects that have yielded economic and energy-supplying benefits, accelerating their respective renewable energy transition. As a driving force for climate-resilient and en- ergy-independent economies, Pavana Energy is a Barbadian renewable energy developer, engineer, contractor, and operator that is pi- oneering the development of fully engineered climate-resilient clean energy projects. As a driving force for climate-resilient and en- ergy-independent economies, Pavana Energy is a Barbadian renewable energy developer, engineer, contractor, and operator that is pi- oneering the development of fully engineered climate-resilient clean energy projects. Ashford Dairy Farms (Barbados)

With the installation of four (4) 250 kilowatts wind tur- bines at the Ashford Dairy farm in St. John, Barbados, the project is the first of its kind in Barbados. Pavana Energy’s wind farm generates enough power to supply 12-1600 homes efficiently. The company, however, feeds the generated wind energy into the national power grid of the local utility under its FIT programme. The company is expanding and in the process of erect- ing three (3) additional turbines at Claybury Plantation, with several future projects in the pipeline. All Pavana’s existing and future projects will be converted to full hy- brid installations with the addition of Solar PV and Bat- tery Energy Storage Systems. This will allow for around- the-clock clean energy production, engineered in a 100% smart and climate-resilient way, truly reinforcing Barbados’ commitment to becoming 100% carbon-free and achieving long-term energy security. Despite abundant geothermal resources in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, developing clean, renewable energy resources is far from a priority for many islands. The current project in Dominica represents a thrill- ing and exciting opportunity for the government and people of Dominica. The construction of a 7-mega- watt geothermal power plant is well underway, with the drilling of one geothermal well recently completed in Q2 of 2023. With a massive $50 million (USD) invest- ment committed to the project, once completed, it will provide a clean, affordable, and reliable power source to over 23,000 homes. Dominica Geothermal Project

2023 2023

30

Saint Lucia Solar Farms

Under the direct control and management of the is- land’s sole electrical utility provider, LUCELEC, the proj- ect is the first utility-scale renewable energy project on the island of Saint Lucia. The $20 million project saw the installation of nearly 15,000 solar panels across the island.

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs