Currently, the Cayman Islands produces nearly all of its energy using diesel and other fossil fuel sources.
An ambitious national energy policy published last month by the territory’s government would change that, calling for the CI to generate at least 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2037.
The report also calls for Cayman to meet the Paris Climate Change Agreement’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint to 4.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita. The territory produced 12.3 tCO2e per capita in 2014, according to the report.
The national energy policy proposes that the territory’s government reach those goals primarily through providing tax breaks and other financial incentives to encourage green-energy production.
For instance, the report calls for government to help facilitate “favourable” loan terms, grants, rebates and other financial incentives for the purchase of consumer-owned renewable energy systems.
The report also calls for government to lead the charge in green energy investment by converting at least seven percent of government cars into hybrid vehicles within five years; by replacing diesel generators as they age with photovoltaic generators and battery systems; and by investing in other renewable energy infrastructure.
The CI government set up an online survey last month to get public feedback on the policy, and reportedly expects to table a final report soon.
Once the final report is published, it will be reviewed every five years by the territory’s National Energy Policy Committee, according to the report.
See the March 23, 2017 edition for full coverage.
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