CARICOM Pushes Renewable Energy for a Resilient Caribbean

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is stepping up its call for greater investment in renewable energy, presenting the transition as an opportunity to strengthen regional energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels and build more resilient economies.

Launching CARICOM Energy Month 2026 on November 1, Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett said the Caribbean has the natural resources, regional expertise and development potential to create a more sustainable and affordable energy future.

This year’s theme, “Harnessing Energy, Advancing Resilient Development,” highlights the role of energy transformation in supporting economic growth, protecting communities and preparing Caribbean countries for the growing effects of climate change.

Barnett pointed to the region’s considerable renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and marine energy, as resources that can help countries reduce their reliance on imported petroleum products while conserving foreign exchange.

She said the transition offers more than environmental benefits. It presents opportunities to attract investment, create employment, stimulate innovation and strengthen the region’s capacity to withstand international energy-price fluctuations.

For Caribbean countries that depend heavily on imported fuels, expanding renewable energy could also help reduce pressure on electricity costs, government budgets and household expenses.

Barnett acknowledged that CARICOM member states face significant challenges as Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States, particularly their exposure to climate-related disasters and volatility in global energy markets.

However, she said these challenges reinforce the importance of building energy systems that are sustainable, affordable and resilient.

The Secretary-General emphasised that achieving this ambition will require investment not only in renewable energy generation but also in modern electricity grids, energy storage and infrastructure capable of withstanding hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

She also recognised that conventional energy sources will continue to play a role in the region’s energy mix as countries gradually expand cleaner alternatives.

The Caribbean’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions remains below one per cent, yet its countries face disproportionate climate risks. Barnett said the region must therefore turn its commitment to sustainable development into practical action that protects communities and future generations.

“For CARICOM Member States, where climate resilience is fundamental to sustainable development and the well-being of future generations, this commitment must be transformed into concrete and measurable action,” she said.

She called for stronger partnerships among governments, private-sector investors, development institutions, academic organisations, civil society and communities to mobilise the financing, technology and expertise needed to accelerate the transition.

Such cooperation, she said, will be essential to unlocking the Caribbean’s renewable energy potential and ensuring that the benefits extend across the region.

CARICOM Energy Month 2026 provides an opportunity to renew that commitment and advance a regional energy agenda centred on affordability, reliability, sustainability and resilience.

The ultimate goal is a Caribbean where cleaner energy strengthens national economies, reduces dependence on imported fuels, creates new opportunities and gives communities greater confidence in their energy future.