Low-Carbon Energy Roadmaps for
Small Island States in the Caribbean
(October 2010 – December 2012)
This project aims to develop and communicate low-carbon development strategies for the Dominican Republic (DR),
Jamaica, and Haiti. With the aid of GIS mapping company 3TIER, Worldwatch will conduct renewable resource and
energy efficiency assessments, evaluations of technical and economic issues, and in depth policy analyses, to
culminate in a series of low-carbon energy roadmaps as well as recommendations and capacity-building for their
implementation.
Background of Current Situation in the Target Regions
Although the targeted islands are highly concerned by the effects of climate
change, they currently lack the technologies, policy tools, and the financing needed
for growing their economies and improving the lives of their citizens while
remaining on a low-carbon development path. The Greater Antilles is home to
some of the largest energy users in the Caribbean region, including this project's
target islands of Hispaniola (DR and Haiti) and Jamaica. The DR produces 14,839
GWhs of electricity annually; Jamaica 7,782 GWhs; and Haiti 469 GWhs (pre-earthquake). Additionally, these nations
largely depend on foreign imports of energy, including oil, which leads to high energy costs, reduced competitiveness,
price fluctuations, reduced energy security, and often an unreliable energy infrastructure. With adequate support, these
countries can demonstrate on small scale low-carbon development strategies that have to be implemented globally in
the long run.
Project Goals
• Provide leaders, utilities, and civil society with a comprehensive overview at the country level of renewable
resource and energy efficiency potential including additional renewable resource mapping and assessments.
• Identify 5 renewable energy generation sites per country (15 total) and provide in-depth profiles.
• Work with civil society leaders and government officials to evaluate current policies and regulations and analyze
barriers to a low carbon energy future.
• Provide government officials with a detailed plan to develop a low carbon energy future that shows the effects on
energy costs, green jobs, business opportunities, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
• Train at least 60 local persons (20 per country) in low carbon roadmap including understanding of the technology.
• Build support for roadmap solutions through buy in by utilities, business leaders, lawmakers, regulators, and local
communities. Identify at least 5 NGO partners, 10 business partners, and 5 influential political partners.
Project Benefits
• Promoting climate protection and sustainably contributing to economic and social development in the region
• Strengthen government and civil society capacity to analyze energy policies at local and international levels
• Improve stakeholder dialogue and increase civil society, government, and business leader capacity to bridge divides
and agree to common energy future
• Increase capacity of government to accept and utilize international climate funding for emissions reductions
projects
• Create opportunities for additional dialogue between the three countries on integrated energy systems
• Help reduce air pollution as diesel fuel power plants are phased out in favor of renewable energy sources
• Strengthen international approaches to low carbon strategies by illustrating lessons learned and offering advice on
development of strategies in other small nations worldwide. Also show how these low carbon strategies can play a
role in global scenarios and international negotiations.
• Aggregate demand for supply chain efficiencies (e.g. bulk ordering, attracting companies with regional opportunity)
Worldwatch Institute Climate and Energy Director Alexander Ochs can be reached at [email protected].
For more information about the Institute’s Climate and Energy Program, please visit
http://www.worldwatch.org/programs/energy_climate.