The Cayman Islands will enhance its position as a leader amongst Caribbean island nations in transitioning to renewable energy by hosting the inaugural Caribbean Transitional Energy Conference (CTEC) at the Kimpton Seafire Resort on 11-12 May 2017.
The conference will provide a forum for delegates to hear distinguished experts discuss the latest advancements in renewable energy technology, as well as how islands can look to create models for sustainability that are both replicable and scalable.
The key note speaker will be famed ocean conservationist, Mr Fabien Cousteau of the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre, along with Sir Richard Branson, who will deliver his speech via live video stream.
Mr James Whittaker, CTEC Organiser and President of the Cayman Renewable Energy Association (CREA) said the conference’s goal was to bring together stakeholders, investors and experts in the renewable energy field who were committed to finding solutions for a sustainable world and assisting the Cayman Islands in its transition to renewable energy as quickly as possible.
“The impetus for this conference was the unanimous support by Cayman Islands lawmakers for the country’s first energy policy in March of this year,” he said. “Legislative Assembly members voted 16-0 to back the National Energy Policy and its recommendations, including that a minimum of 70 percent of the islands’ total electricity generation come from renewable energy sources by the year 2037.”
“The Caribbean Transitional Energy Conference is committed to supporting the delivery of the sustainability goals set out in the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy by raising awareness and promoting best practices, new technologies and entrants to market in Cayman’s renewable energy sector,” Mr Whittaker said.
“It is about ensuring sustainable social and economic growth through strong leadership, recognising the threat of climate change, the vulnerability of islands across the world and voicing our commitment to take measures for the future.”
The two day conference aims to generate innovative and practical solutions to facilitate the delivery of the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy and discussions will be themed around the most pressing sustainability needs of the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean region.
Amongst others, the conference program will include the following discussions:
- Low carbon pathways and the commercial opportunity
- The regulatory framework, the key and critical step in energy transition
- Renewables: the utility business model
- A review of renewable energy penetration being achieved in island nations through new technologies and storage solutions
“Cayman seeks to stand with other islands in the region and across the world to embrace a low carbon future and to stand on the front line of delivering secure, reliable and economically feasible clean energy solutions,” Mr Whittaker said.
“I look forward to the conference’s productive outcomes providing solutions to the environmental challenges of the Cayman Islands and the region in the years ahead.”
The Caribbean Transitional Energy Conference (CTEC) will take place at the Kimpton Seafire Resort, Grand Cayman on 11-12 May 2017. Registration will include two days of programming, and an opening cocktail reception on the evening of Wednesday, 10 May. Registration is now open at the rate of CI $500 / USD $ 609.76. For more information on the CTEC schedule, registration and more, visit http://cteccayman.com.
