1. UNDP Social Good Summit Sustainable Development Goal#7 Ensure access to affordable reliable sustainable and modern energy sector for all
Local Challenges and Opportunities
Presenter : Ruth Potopsingh, PhD
University of Technology Jamaica
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

2. Some Challenges - Jamaica
Very high dependency on fossil fuels to meet electricity and transportation needs
Jamaica is a net importer of fuels. This has implications beyond energy itself
Volatile petroleum prices together with inefficient production processes and transmission losses have led to high electricity prices
Prices are among the highest in the world increasing by almost 80 percent over , exceeding 30 US$/kWh for most countries in 2012
Low levels of efficiencies in electricity sector
Poor energy conservation and efficiency practices sector -wide
Technology Transfer has been slow
This situation has compromised business competitiveness, economic growth and development for decades
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

3. Sustainable Energy Solutions
Energy Efficiency Strategies
Energy Management
Energy Conservation
Renewable energy
Much of the above require Behavioral Change and Technology solutions
Low Emissions Development Strategy
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

4. Climate Change We cannot address SE and not include climate issues.
Small island states such as Jamaica are counted as most vulnerable to Climate Change, there is now increased awareness and environmental responsibility as the seriousness of the situation hits home.
Improved accountability for CO2 emissions.
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

5. Renewable Energy Potential
WIND
All states. Major installations in Jamaica & Cuba, Aruba, Curacao, DR,
HYDRO POWER
Guyana
Suriname
Haiti
Dominica, Dominican Rep,
Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Grenada
SOLAR
Solar Thermal and Solar PV in all countries.
Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent Grenada
GEOTHERMAL
St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat
BIOMASS
Potential in all countries. Major development in Grenada Cuba, Guyana, Jamaica & Suriname
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

6. Renewable Energy Potential
WASTE TO ENERGY
Jamaica
Barbados
All islands.
OCEAN THERMAL
All Countries
Studies- Jamaica Barbados-
HYDROGEN
Trinidad and Tobago
Studies- Jamaica
BIO-GAS
MICROHYDRO
All countries
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

7. Challenges to Renewable energy Development
Technical
Inadequate Grid Systems to Facilitate uptake by Public Utility
Slow technology transfer
External driven applications
Insufficient human capacity
Inadequate Standards and certification
Appropriate training
Resource assessments and feasibility studies
Socioeconomic
Affordability
High initial costs
High cost of financing
Fledgling market
Risk averse financial sector
Under developed service sector
Undeveloped ESCOs
Low rates paid by public utilities
Environmental
Limited land space for solar
Disaster Risks (hurricane )
Management of natural resources
Political
Slow policy Implementation
Inadequate communication among sectors
Limited fiscal space for governments to be more proactive
Regulatory process
Insufficient public education
Insufficient incubators for encouraging Innovation
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

8. Solutions Initiatives Jamaica has a target of 20% RE by 2030 Policy
programmes
Government
Increased local investments
National Training at all levels (primary – graduate )
Map Energy Scenarios
Leverage Technology and Innovation
transfer
Jamaica has a target of 20% RE by 2030
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

9. Technology Innovation Competition
Look for ways of filling gaps in our energy needs
Application of technology to improve access , affordability and sustainability
Look for opportunities at the community level, national and even global levels
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh

10. Best wishes in the Competition
Thank You
&
Best wishes in the Competition
Presentation for UNDP Social Good Summit September 19, 2016 : Ruth Potopsingh