The CARICOM-German Government Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Project was the focus of discussion by the Region’s Energy Officials from 11-12 February at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters, Guyana.
Representatives of Member States and other key stakeholders in the Community’s energy sector met to chart the way forward for a renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) project funded by the German Government through its Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society for International Cooperation) (GIZ).
The four-year, euro 5.02M project to assist Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States to move towards renewable energy technologies will explore the use of solar energy, wind power, bio-energy, and hydropower for energy cost savings in many areas for both businesses and households.
The REETA Project, administered from the CARICOM Secretariat, will also seek to build capacity in the private sector for implementing renewable energy and energy saving measures, as well as support the CARICOM Energy Programme and Regional organizations involved in sustainable energy development.
During the Meeting’s brief opening session, Ms. Marina Meuss, the GIZ Resident Director for the Caribbean, pointed out that the REETA project was the outcome of long-term cooperation in energy in the Region.
Mr. David Hales, Director, External Trade, at the CARICOM Secretariat made reference to the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) which was implemented in two phases during the period 2003 to 2013, stating that “it was a watershed energy initiative which has produced a significant positive impact in the Region.” Mr. Hales also highlighted the fact that the German Government was the single largest contributing partner to CARICOM’s sustainable energy development.
The Meeting provided Member States with an opportunity to identify the priority areas to be supported through the Project and thereby providing the basis for the development of a Work Programme that reflects the Member States’ expressed needs in the area Sustainable Energy.
