NEWS
09.02.2010
Prime Minister Confirms Participation
The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham,
has confirmed that he will give the opening keynote address at the 2010
Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF, Atlantis, Bahamas, October 13-15).
09.01.2010
Key Caribbean Stakeholders to Attend CREF - Seven Government Ministers Currently Confirmed
Ministers from seven Caribbean countries are currently confirmed to attend CREF. Indications have been received from several other jurisdictions of intent to participate at a governmental level in CREF 2010. As of the end of August, the Caribbean utilities - the other key regional stakeholders - were also well represented with confirmations received from nine electric utilties from across the region.
07.07.2010
Dominican Today
Bahamas to host 2010 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum.... read more
06.09.2010
Caribbean Interconnection - Speakers Confirmed
Hon. Kenneth McClintock, Secretary of State for Puerto Rico, has confirmed he will participate in the Caribbean Interconnection panel at CREF 2010. The discussion, one of the most pressing facing the region, will focus on the opportunities for - and obstacles to - regional and sub-regional power markets. Secretary McClintock joins Hon. Minister Carlisle Powell of the Nevis Island Administration, Philippe Benoit, Energy Sector Manager at the World Bank, and Mark Lambrides, Division Chief for Energy at the OAS.
06.01.2010
FirstCaribbean International Bank Announces Sponsorship of CREF 2010
The organizers of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum are delighted to welcome FirstCaribbean International Bank as a sponsor of CREF 2010. Confirming their commitment to the growing renewables sector, Mr. Ian Chinapoo, Managing Director, reports that "FirstCaribbean is delighted to be supporting CREF 2010. FirstCaribbean recognizes the fundamental importance that renewables represent to the future energy and economic security of the region and we are committed to playing a key role in the development of this emerging sector."
Will Wynn, former Mayor of Austin, Texas, and Chairman of the Board of Austin Energy, to Speak at CREF
Under Mr. Wynn’s leadership Austin dramatically expanded both the requirements and market penetration of its greenbuilding program; nationally promoted plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; created the country’s most aggressive solar rebate program; pushed for substantial upgrades to the International Energy Conservation Code; dramatically increased its renewable energy portfolio; mandated energy audits prior to existing home sales; announced its smart-grid initiative; and created a city-wide climate protection program of which Newsweek wrote “…the City of Austin has taken the reins. Its climate protection plan, unveiled last February by Mayor Will Wynn, is seen by environmentalists as the country’s most aggressive municipal initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.”
Austin Energy generates over 3,000 megawatts of electricity, has 1,600 employees, serves 400,000 individually ’smart-metered’ accounts and has annual revenue of $1.5 billion. Its fuel mix is 32% natural gas, 28% nuclear, 28% coal and 12% renewables (up from 0% in 2000 when Mr. Wynn began serving on the Board). Its current and approved generation plan has renewables growing to 35% by 2020.
On his participation in CREF: "As we see the increased demand for electricity across the Caribbean, and as the price of oil continues to inch up once again, it is clear that the region is at a turning point. Moving forward, renewables must be a substantial part of the energy mix. As a former public official, and a former utility chairman, I have seen both sides of the challenges - and opportunities - presented as we make the transition from old to new energy. I look forward to meeting regional stakeholders and to sharing with them my experiences over the years, and to playing a role at this vital time for the future energy security of the Caribbean."
