CARICOM Energy Month is Here
CARICOM Energy Month (CEM) is a month-long celebration that aims to promote and support sustainable energy development within the community. This initiative’s main objective is to highlight the role of citizens in transforming the region towards a sustainable future. This transformation involves creating new clean energy jobs and supporting the community’s long-term economic security. Overall, CEM seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy development and encourage individuals to actively participate in the process.
The theme for CEM 2023 is ‘Accelerating Innovation – Driving Electrification’. This theme underscores the importance of innovation in the energy sector and the fast-growing market for electrification. It emphasises the critical role that innovation plays in adapting existing tools and technologies to keep pace with the constantly changing landscape.
The observances kick off on November 1 with the three-day Caribbean Energies and Investment Summit (CEIS) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados. CEIS is organised in partnership with the Government of Barbados, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Business. The summit, co-hosted by Barbados National Oil Company Limited, National Petroleum Corporation, Invest Barbados, and Export Barbados, will focus on the theme ‘Sustainable Energy Paths for the Caribbean’. Its aim is to promote and facilitate energy security, reliability, and affordability, and to identify sustainable energy and investment paths for the Caribbean region, to achieve actionable outcomes that are aligned with Vision 2030 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050.
The Eighth Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF-VIII) takes place from November 7-9, 2023, at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica. The theme for CSEF-VIII is ‘Powering Transport’. The focus will be on sustainable transport options, including updates on member countries’ progress. Stakeholders from the CARICOM region, policymakers and international experts will participate in a three-day regional forum to discuss practical approaches for transitioning to sustainable energy use in the transport sector. The forum will cover a range of topics, including electrifying the Caribbean, electrifying the transport sector, decarbonising difficult-to-electrify segments of the transport sector, and integrating electric vehicles into power distribution networks. CSEF VIII is hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat, The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the Jamaica Electric Vehicle Association (JEVA), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with support from New Energy Events.
To support the move toward electric vehicles (EV), partners, the CARICOM Secretariat, CDB, IDB and The CCREEE, with support from New Energy Events, Flash Motors and Tropical Mobility, will host the EV-Lution IV Exhibition during the Eighth Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday, November 7. Come see the latest innovations in EV technology and learn how EVs can revolutionise our region.
As part of the CEM celebrations, all are encouraged to register for the 5K awareness walk that will be hosted in Georgetown, Guyana, to increase awareness of sustainable energy opportunities, principles, and practices among civil society and CARICOM nationals.
The event aims to showcase how individuals can contribute to the transition towards a sustainable economy through customized information and knowledge products. It also serves as a platform for businesses to promote their products and services that support this transition. The CEM Kilo Walk is being hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat.
The CEM Lecture Series aims to showcase the latest opportunities, technologies, practices, and innovations involved in the energy transition to both academia (faculty, researchers, and students) and the public in selected Member States. The Series will be conducted weekly on university campuses throughout CEM, and will be live-streamed on the internet and social media platforms. Additionally, the lectures will be recorded for later viewing by those who are unable to attend live.
Lectures are scheduled to take place in Barbados on November 4, Jamaica on November 9, Guyana on November 16 and Trinidad & Tobago on November 23. Tune in to hear about the region’s energy transition and the opportunities that lie ahead. All are welcome.
The CEM Town Hall Series brings together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and guide the energy transition. Senior representatives and thought leaders will discuss the vision, mission, goals, status, outlook, policies, strategies, and plans for the energy sector. Attendees can engage in bi-directional conversations and get their questions answered.
Town hall meetings take place in Jamaica on November 6, Belize on November 13, The Bahamas on November 20 and St. Kitts and Nevis on November 27.
Throughout the month, we will pay homage to Caribbean women who are policy, innovation, business, and thought leaders on the energy transition at the community, national, regional, or international levels. CARICOM W.I.S.E. is intended to highlight the contributions of women within the public and private sectors, as well as academia and civil society. Stay tuned to our social media pages for these features throughout the month. Sign up or nominate here.
CEM 2023 culminates on November 30 with a Fireside Chat as we prepare for COP-28 in Dubai from November 30 – December 12. This is a moderated conversation with thought leaders who have experience in playing leadership roles in the multilateral global climate negotiations to discuss how global climate financing can support a just energy transition in the Caribbean and how countries can benefit from existing mechanisms.
For more details, visit: https://www.csef23.com/
Source: CARICOM TODAY