Representatives from 10 countries and 2 regional organisations from the Caribbean participated in a mission to Belgium, Germany and Spain, organised by the European Union and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in the framework of Euroclima, the EU´s Global Gateway flagship programme on environmental sustainability and climate change with the Latin American and the Caribbean. The objective of this tour was to expose Caribbean partners to European energy solutions and technologies and strengthen the partnership between the two regions for a sustainable energy transition.
Brussels / Bridgetown, July 04th.- The Energy Study Tour began in Brussels with a strategic discussion on how the European Union's Global Gateway and Team Europe can support the energy transition in the Caribbean. The discussion involved ministers and high-level representatives from the Caribbean, as well as top representatives from the Directorate-General for International Partnerships, the Directorate-General for Energy, the European External Action Service, and the European Investment Bank.
This cooperation is crucial to enable Caribbean countries to reduce carbon emissions and their dependency on imported fossil fuels, which has a high impact on their cost of energy.
During other meetings in Brussels, industry representatives from Global Renewable Alliance and Solar Power Europe reiterated the potential of private sector investments in supporting the energy transition. They also expressed a strong commitment to bringing more European companies, technologies, expertise, and capital to the Caribbean.
The Smarter E Europe Conference and Exhibition in Munich
On Day 2 of the European Energy Study Tour for the Caribbean, senior staff from the electric utilities joined the Ministerial delegation at the Smarter E Europe Conference in Munich (Germany). The Energy Study Tour played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the Caribbean delegation and the European private sector, exposing the Caribbean's ambitions to European partners. This was a prime example of the Global Gateway in action, underscoring the importance of the event.
Caribbean representatives engaged with many European companies among the over 3,000 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge technology in the areas of solar, energy storage, e-mobility, and grid integration. These contacts and ideas are crucial for rolling out the Global Gateway Investment Agenda and bringing European excellence to the Caribbean.
The Caribbean, and concretely Barbados, was taken as a model for the energy transition in islands. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy, outlined the path that Barbados has taken and the reality of small island states in terms of supply chains and skills development in a panel discussion with industry, multilateral and government representatives.
Side-visit in Germany
The delegation also visited the Technical University of Munich, a centre of excellence in Europe and worldwide. During the visit, scientists and policymakers had the opportunity to see a microgrid emulator at the Centre for Combined Smart Energy Systems. Enhancing academic collaboration between Europe and the Caribbean is essential for gathering data to make informed decisions and for fostering the skills necessary to drive the energy transition.
On the last day in Germany, the meeting with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also reaffirmed that collaboration between the European Union and the Caribbean needs to combine the strength of all the players in Team Europe. BMZ and GIZ have been a strong partner in energy in the Caribbean for a long time.
Balearic Islands Experience
The Energy Study Tour to Europe for Caribbean policymakers proceeded in Mallorca, Spain. The visit to the Control Centre and Substation of Redeia, Spain's electrical network, provided insight into European solutions for connecting islands via submarine cables, which is something the Caribbean has been considering for years, as well as into pump-storage technology. Skills development and training opportunities for Caribbean operators were also discussed.
The delegation concluded its mission at the University of the Balearic Islands, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy self-sufficiency by 2027.
The Study Tour leaves participants from both sides with strengthened ties and a renewed purpose to work together for a sustainable energy transition.
Main photo: Meeting in Brussels between High-Level participants from the Caribbean and EU’s institutions. Left to right: Mahender Sharma, CEO Guyana Energy Agency; Felix Fernandez-Shaw, Director for Latin America, DG INTPA; Konris Maynard, Minister, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities and Domestic Transport, St. Kitts & Nevis; Lisa Cummins, Minister, Ministry of Energy and Business Development, Barbados; Koen Doens, Director-General for International Partnerships, DG INTPA; Thouraya Triki, Director, International Partners, EIB; Antonio Almonte, Minister, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Dominican Republic; Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director Energy Platform Task Force and International Relations, DG ENERGY and Pelayo Castro Zuzuárregui, Director/Deputy Managing Director for the Americas, EEAS.
Interior photo: Meeting with the Head of Energy Division of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Stella Seibert-Palascino.