OECS Commission Promotes Renewable Energy Capacity Building at the 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is intensifying its efforts to transition towards a sustainable energy future for its member states. The organization’s commitment was prominently showcased at the 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) in Miami, a gathering of regional energy leaders, policymakers, and innovators focused on accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to more affordable, reliable, and climate-resilient energy solutions. The OECS championed several key initiatives aimed at bolstering renewable energy adoption and strengthening regional energy security.

A crucial aspect of the OECS’s strategy involves building capacity within its member states. At CREF, the OECS Sustainable Energy Unit conducted a training session on Photovoltaic (PV) System Impact and Hosting Capacity Studies. This training, supported by the German development agency GIZ and the EU’s Euroclima programme, equipped utility companies from six OECS member states with the technical expertise necessary to effectively integrate solar power into their national grids. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to empowering local utilities with the skills and knowledge needed to manage the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources. The EU’s support underscores the importance of international collaboration in driving the Caribbean’s energy transition.

The OECS is also advocating for regional cooperation as a key driver of its renewable energy agenda. The organization highlighted the potential benefits of pooled procurement, a strategy that allows smaller countries to leverage their collective purchasing power to reduce costs and improve access to renewable energy technologies. Drawing upon the success of the OECS’s experience with pooled pharmaceutical purchasing, the organization emphasized the potential to replicate this model for clean energy procurement. This collaborative approach not only enhances affordability but also strengthens regional integration, fostering greater energy security across the OECS.

Geothermal energy represents another significant area of focus for the OECS. The organization underscored the transformative potential of geothermal power to provide stable, low-cost electricity across the region. Notable progress in geothermal development was reported in Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada, with new drilling and exploration projects underway. Grenada’s Minister of Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy highlighted the substantial impact a 15-megawatt geothermal plant could have on the country’s energy landscape, potentially meeting 40% of its energy needs and significantly reducing costs for consumers and businesses. The OECS’ GEOBUILD programme, which facilitates knowledge sharing and technical assistance for geothermal development, plays a critical role in supporting these efforts, further demonstrating the importance of regional collaboration in advancing renewable energy projects.

These initiatives are integral components of the OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development (2025–2035), a comprehensive plan launched earlier this year through the Basseterre Declaration. This ambitious undertaking aims to ensure universal access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all OECS citizens, leveraging various renewable sources including solar, wind, geothermal, and green hydrogen. The anticipated benefits of this transition are multifaceted, encompassing lower energy bills, increased local job creation, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and enhanced resilience to climate change and economic shocks. The Decade of Action represents a long-term commitment to transforming the region’s energy sector and fostering sustainable development.

The training sessions, pooled procurement initiatives, and geothermal development projects reflect the OECS’s multi-pronged approach to achieving its sustainable energy goals. By investing in capacity building, fostering regional collaboration, and promoting the development of diverse renewable energy resources, the OECS aims to not only achieve energy security but also stimulate economic growth and enhance climate resilience. The emphasis on regional cooperation and knowledge sharing exemplified by programmes like GEOBUILD highlights the OECS’s commitment to a collaborative and inclusive approach to its energy transition. The organization envisions a future where sustainable energy empowers its member states, creating a cleaner, more prosperous, and resilient Caribbean.

The OECS’s participation at CREF 2025 underscored its unwavering commitment to driving the sustainable energy transition in the Eastern Caribbean. The various initiatives presented and discussed at the forum – including training programs, regional procurement strategies, and geothermal development projects – highlight the comprehensive approach the OECS is taking to achieve its ambitious goals. By fostering collaboration, investing in capacity building, and promoting the adoption of diverse renewable energy technologies, the OECS is working to create a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for its member states and the wider Caribbean region. The Decade of Action serves as a roadmap for this transformative journey, promising a cleaner, more secure, and economically vibrant future for all OECS citizens.