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As a part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Energy Month, celebrated under the theme Clean Energy, Good Governance and Regulations, the Energy Unit, under the leadership of Hon. Frank Mena, Minister with responsibility for Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, will be hosting officials from CARICOM countries for a Study Tour of Energy Sites in Belize.

The visiting officials will include Mr. Albert Gordon, CEO of Guyana Power and Light; Dr. Devon Gardner, Programme Manager for Energy and Head of the Energy Unit at the CARICOM Secretariat; and Dr. Gary Jackson, Executive Director of Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE). The Study Tour will take place on the 15th and 16th November 2018. The sites will include:

  • The Vaca Dam (which is the third phase of the Macal Hydroelectric Project)
  • Santander Biomass Power Plant
  • La Gracia Smart Solar Off Grid System
  • Belize Electricity Limited Submarine Cable System off Ambergris Caye (one of the few such systems amongst CARICOM Countries)

CARICOM regards Belize as an important leader in the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable, renewable solutions. As a prelude to the upcoming Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum to be hosted by the Hon. Frank Mena next week, CARICOM has supported the decision for other countries and experts to witness Belize's progress to date, where some 60% of the country's electricity grid is supplied from renewable and sustainable sources.

Member states of CARICOM share common energy challenges. Based on those challenges, it has become apparent that increasing sustainable energy production, delivery and use, through renewable energy applications and energy efficiency measures, can provide powerful opportunities to promote sustainable development.

Energy is the world's most important industrial sector. Energy services are essential for nearly every product and service provided within the global economy - including the economies of CARICOM.

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