🌞 Cayman Islands government approves ambitious green energy policy
🔋 The new plan aims for 100% renewable energy by 2045 and encourages residents to produce solar energy
The Cayman Islands Government has approved a revised National Energy Policy, setting a target of 100% green energy by 2045 and 70% by 2037. The ambitious plan, which was drafted under Sustainability Minister Wayne Panton, also includes provisions for residents to produce and self-consume up to 20 kilowatts of solar energy and use battery energy storage. The government hopes that by encouraging residents to participate directly in the transition, the Cayman Islands will be on track to reach these targets. The policy also defines utility-scale solar as 5 megawatts or greater, providing clarity to the regulatory framework. 🌍
The policy includes strategies to facilitate the transition to 100% electric vehicles by 2045. This involves assessing policies to encourage electric vehicle adoption and investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Islands. The plan also supports the implementation of more sustainable alternatives, such as encouraging the use of electric vehicles for public transportation. The Ministry of Sustainability plans to review the policy in two years to ensure that the goals and strategies remain feasible and aligned with global efforts to combat climate change. 🚗
The approval of the plan comes amid a dispute between Grand Cayman’s monopoly power provider, CUC, and the local advocacy organization, Cayman Renewable Energy Association (CREA). CREA has accused CUC of trying to maintain complete control over the future green energy market and of undermining the growth of domestic solar by limiting access to the grid. However, CREA President James Whittaker welcomed the government’s adoption of the policy, particularly given its revised timeframe and the rights of consumers to generate solar energy and have access to the grid. The new policy may pose challenges for CUC, as it will need to increase access for domestic solar and the new target date of 2045 for 100% renewable reduces the time CUC has to use LNG as a transitional fuel. ⚡
