CHTA and CAST Issue Urgent Earth Day Call for Renewable Energy Reform in the Caribbean

23 April 2025 3:28pm

On the occasion of Earth Day 2025, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and its affiliate, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), are making a clear appeal: it is time to prioritize renewable energy adoption throughout the region.

“This year’s Earth Day theme—Our Power, Our People, Our Planet—deeply resonates with the Caribbean,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “It serves as a powerful reminder that by working together—governments, the tourism industry, and our communities—we can harness our collective strength to advance toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Over the past two decades, the Caribbean’s tourism industry has made significant strides in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, with many governments implementing supportive policies. However, key challenges remain, particularly around reducing energy costs and scaling renewable energy adoption in line with global climate goals.

A new report by CHTA and CAST, titled “Empowering the Caribbean Tourism Industry through Renewable Energy: A Call for Policy Action,” outlines findings from 17 jurisdictions and recommends concrete steps forward.

Key barriers identified in the report include:

Red Tape and Unclear Guidelines – Most jurisdictions allow renewable energy systems, but bureaucracy and unclear regulations slow progress.
Permitting Confusion – Nearly 40% of respondents report confusion over permitting requirements.
Labor Shortages – 31% cite a lack of skilled workers to install and maintain renewable systems.
Financing – Affordable financing for renewable energy projects remains hard to access.
Inadequate Incentives – Investment incentives are weak or nonexistent in many areas.
Limited Buy-Back Programs – Nearly half of the jurisdictions lack programs to buy back excess energy, and where they do exist, credit compensation is often undervalued.

Based on its research, CHTA and CAST recommend the following policy actions:

Eliminate Arbitrary Size Limits on Self-Generation – Allow system sizing based on energy needs and site feasibility, not outdated kW caps.
Streamline Permitting – Clarify and simplify the approval process to encourage investment.
Redefine the Role of Utilities – Utilities must evolve to support private sector participation and increased competition.
End Unfair Utility Fees – Remove discriminatory fees for self-generators and ensure fair interconnection policies.
Strengthen Financial Incentives – Provide tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans to support renewable adoption.
Implement Fair Buy-Back Programs – Introduce net billing or feed-in tariffs that fairly compensate private renewable producers.

“The Caribbean is at a pivotal point,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Acting Chairperson of CAST. “With the right policies and partnerships, we can accelerate the region’s renewable energy transition and position our industry as a global leader in sustainable development. The time to act is now.”

To access the full report, visit:
https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/commitment-initiatives/advocacy/
For more on CHTA: https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com
For more on CAST: https://cast.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com