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Urgent: How is the Caribbean breaking away from fossil fuel dependence and moving towards clean energy?

Written by Caio Aviz
Published 03/01/2025 às 17:29
Island in the Caribbean with wind turbines in the background, representing the energy transition to renewable sources and overcoming dependence on fossil fuels.
Caribbean landscape with wind turbines, symbolizing the region's progress towards a sustainable and clean future.

The Caribbean is addressing energy challenges, overcoming barriers and adopting sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.

Certainly, the Caribbean's dependence on fossil fuels This is an issue that goes beyond the environmental aspect, and is also an economic and social problem. Therefore, with an energy matrix still in transition and several structural challenges, the region is facing a decisive moment. However, significant advances in renewable energy show that breaking this dependence is indeed possible.

The current energy landscape in the Caribbean

Currently, despite significant progress, around two-thirds of the regional energy matrix still depends on fossil fuels. However, it is important to highlight that clean energy already represents more than 60% of electricity generation in some countries, thus exceeding the global average. Therefore, investing in this transition can undoubtedly generate savings of up to US$621 billion per year by 2050.

Why does the Caribbean need to break away from fossil fuels?

Undoubtedly, reducing climate vulnerability is essential, as extreme events become increasingly frequent. Furthermore, high energy costs resulting from import of fuels, weigh heavily on the economy. Therefore, investing in renewable energy not only mitigates these costs, but also creates jobs and strengthens the local economy, demonstrating that this transition is an urgent need.

The challenges of the energy transition

However, overcoming barriers such as limited infrastructure, lack of financing and complex regulations is absolutely crucial. In contrast to the opportunities, these challenges hinder the adoption of clean technologies and deter the investments needed to advance the region. However, coordinated initiatives can reduce these barriers.

Advances and inspiring examples

Fortunately, successful examples show the way forward. For example, Costa Rica and Paraguay derive almost all of their energy from renewable sources, while Jamaica is rapidly expanding its solar and wind capacity. It is clear that, with concerted effort, other nations can also effectively follow this path.

Opportunities to accelerate the energy transition

The Caribbean’s abundant natural resources undoubtedly represent a great opportunity to exploit solar and wind energy and diversify its energy mix. On the other hand, regional integration and international partnerships also offer effective avenues. Finally, targeted subsidies and simplified regulations can further encourage the adoption of clean technologies.
The Path is Clean and Sustainable

The path is clean and sustainable

In short, while the challenges are significant, solutions are certainly within reach. With the right policies and support from society, the Caribbean can overcome its dependence on fossil fuels and build a cleaner, safer and more economically advantageous future for generations to come.

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Caio Aviz

I write about the offshore market, oil and gas, job vacancies, renewable energy, mining, economy, innovation, geopolitics and government. Always seeking daily updates and relevant topics, I expose rich, considerable and meaningful content.

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