Territory To Host First Caribbean Clean Energy Technology Symposium

The U.S. Virgin Islands will host the inaugural Caribbean Clean Energy Technology Symposium (CCETS) March 24 – 27 in an effort to help find solutions for the energy needs of the Caribbean region, the V.I. Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) has announced.

The event is being co-hosted by the Caribbean Central American Action (C-CAA), U.S. Department of Energy, and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It will be held at Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas.

The CCETS will assemble key stakeholders in the public and private sectors throughout the Caribbean to explore the role that clean energy technologies can play in the electricity, transportation, industrial, and commercial industries in the Caribbean region. The symposium will be the first in a series of three annual gatherings dedicated to meeting the critical energy needs of the Caribbean.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands is a prime location for the launch of this symposium,” VIEDA’s Chief Executive Officer Percival E. Clouden said. “As clean energy continues to have an impact on economic development and our quality of life, the VIEDA supports all efforts for energy efficiency in the Caribbean.”

The symposium seeks to gather country and sector experts who will work together in identifying common goals, and create action plans expected to lead to increasing access to energy efficiency, and clean and renewable energy technology in Caribbean nations.

During the four-day event, discussions and planning sessions will focus on topics, such as energy education, economic development, building energy and water efficiency, utilities and renewable energy generation, base load electricity diversification, climate change and resilience, and clean transportation.

The CCETS will also include a Technology Education Hall and exhibitor opportunities for private sector companies.

Events Breakdown

March 24 – A series of pre-scheduled private meetings for stakeholder delegates, the opening of the exhibit area, and an evening reception will be held.

March 25 – “Davos-style” panel discussions and keynote remarks will take place.

March 26 – Stakeholder working groups will be assembled.

March 27 – the V.I. Water and Power Authority will lead site visits to solar farms, propane installations, and other alternative energy structures on St. Thomas, while the VIEDA will host a breakfast to promote the benefits of its economic development program.

VI Consortium will cover the event.