The Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) at the University of the Virgin Islands will host a forum on renewable energy policy and financing options titled “Keeping the Lights On” on Jan. 29 and 30, at the Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas campus. The forum will be offered in two sections, the first for policy makers from the Virgin Islands and neighboring islands, and the second for members of the general public.
The forum’s goal, according to CGTC Director Dr. Wayne Archibald, is to build an understanding of renewable energy technology in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean. It is also an effort to deepen the understanding of the benefits of renewable energy for policy makers, financial institutions and society, according to Dr. Archibald. Discussion will also focus on identifying and discussing barriers that exist to the uptake of renewable energy technology. The forum is the first in a series of activities with the goal of bringing greater access to alternative energy, conservation technology and resources in the Virgin Islands.
“The forum will be structured in two days, the first day targeting Virgin Islands senators and government officials,” Dr. Archibald said. “The first day will also showcase the experiences of renewable energy policy implementation in neighboring Caribbean islands. The second day will be open to the general public and showcase opportunities for them to benefit from renewable energy and energy efficiency.” The session for policy makers runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29. The public session is scheduled for 5-7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
The public session will feature presentations by local bankers, Scotia Bank Branch Manager Adonis Morton and First Bank Loan Director Miguel Farrington. They will review the incentives available through existing Virgin Islands energy conservation programs, additional financing programs and other resources available to the public.
More information on the forum and other green technology efforts is also available from the CGTC Web site at http://cgtc.uvi.edu.