Regional Renewable Energy Project Financing Workshop and RETScreen Training

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat is convening a Regional Renewable Energy Project Financing Workshop and RETScreen Training in Jamaica on 15-16 December 2011, targeting existing and potential Renewable Energy (RE) project developers and sponsors. 

It has been well established that there is tremendous scope for the development of Sustainable Energy (SE) Projects in the Region. However, there are critical barriers to be addressed. One of the key barriers identified in the development of SE Projects in the Caribbean is access to appropriate finance mechanisms.

Historically, commercial banks and other financial institutions in the Region have not been amenable to providing resources for investment in RE and as such, despite the fact that RE projects in the Caribbean are relatively small, investors quite often are unable to access the resources to invest in these projects. The emergence of the carbon market and financing options through International Risk Guarantee Mechanisms present opportunities for RE project developers. Undoubtedly, the Caribbean is poised to make advancements in RE technologies contingent on the availability of financing. It is therefore imperative that the capacity be developed to take advantage of these financing options which may be available in the context of the Caribbean.

See details and nomination information here