Energy transition investments and finance matters will soon take centre stage, when the Government of Barbados and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, co-host a high-level three-day conference.
The IRENA-Caribbean Cooperation for Fostering Energy Transition Investments and Finance will take place from May 30 to June 1, at Hilton Barbados Resort. It is also being held in partnership with the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
The objective of the meeting is to promote an environment conducive to energy transition investments, and facilitate access to affordable and appropriate forms of finance for the implementation of energy transition projects in the Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS).
Key stakeholders in the region will gather to examine how to accelerate energy transition investments, moving beyond pledges to action and closing the financing gap. These will include government officials, policymakers, regulators, the private sector, project developers and financing partners.
The forum will also address issues pertaining to the development and sustainability of a robust, feasible and bankable renewable energy project pipeline, which responds directly to the needs of the country, and generates interest and investment.
Some of the topics to be discussed during the conference are: The Status of the Caribbean Energy Transition – Priorities and Investment Needs; Creating Enabling Frameworks Conducive to Energy Transition Investments in Caribbean SIDS, and Project Development and Scaling-Up of Renewable Energy Investment in the Caribbean, with the focus on developers and financiers.
There will also be a high-level panel discussion on Innovative Financing Instruments for Climate Projects in SIDS. The event will also feature technical sessions, including training and a project exhibition – connecting business partners to facilitate investment opportunities among project developers, investors, and financiers.