Given the high cost of electricity production and the Caribbean's significant renewable-energy potential, not forgetting the necessity for the transport sector to move way from fossil-based energy, electricity generated from renewable resources should reach much higher percentages across the different islands (current figures: Martinique ~30%, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines ~ 20%, other islands ~0-5%). There is no denying that much remains to be done to support major development of the production means.
In recent years, the E-mobility sector has been a focus of attention in Caribbean countries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the transport sector represents 36% of the Caribbean's primary energy consumption (2016). Furthermore, the limited autonomy of electric vehicles, is not expected to be an obstacle to their use in these regions where, by their very nature, the islands determine the maximum distances travelled. Under the Paris Agreement, a number of Caribbean states have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly inn the transport sector. Hence Grenada plans to reduce its transport-sector emissions by 20% by 2025 and Dominica, consuming electricity (therefore including the transport sector).
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with its Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, plays a very active role in the field of E-mobility, for example through the C-SERMS programme (Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap & Strategy). After publishing its Regional electric Vehicle Strategy (REVS) in February 2020, CARICOM is about to launch a study on E-mobility in the Caribbean with the help of a consultant recruited specifically for the task.
The long-term goal of his work package (WP) is to assess feasibility of converting (retrofitting) combusting-engine vehicles in OECS Member States and drawing up a roadmap for the development of "green" vehicles (electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) in Guadeloupe.
The works relating to sustainable energy in transportation are:
- An overview of public policies in favour of the transport sector's energy transition in OECS Member States, and a preliminary study on the feasibility of retrofitting.
- A pilot project for demonstration of a vehicle retrofit, in cooperation with an OECS technical university.
- A strategy for the development of green vehicles in Guadeloupe.
