Promoting climate-friendly transport in the Caribbean

Project description

Title: Supporting the implementation of NDCs in the Caribbean – transforming the transport and energy sectors towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future (NDC-TEC)
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)​​​​​​​
Country: Caribbean (regional): Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda​​​​​​​
Lead executing agency: CARICOM – Caribbean Community Secretariat​​​​​​​
Overall term: 2022 to 2027

Context

Caribbean countries are disproportionately dependent on fossil fuel imports for energy and transport. At the same time, they are at particular risk from climate change. Price rises in the global oil market also have a considerable impact on the local economy.

If these countries generate more electricity from renewable sources and make electric mobility a greater priority, they can reduce economic risks, decrease their dependence on crude oil, and contribute to climate action.

To date, however, very few Caribbean countries have included measures relating to the transport sector in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Institutions are not yet capable of transforming the energy industry and the transport system. Nonetheless, conditions are favourable for change: high oil prices are making the transition more economically attractive, and the short travel distances in the smaller countries are particularly suited to electric mobility.

Objective

Caribbean countries set themselves ambitious climate targets and work towards a transition in the transport sector which is based on electric mobility and renewable energy.

Approach

The project operates in several Caribbean countries and is implementing the following measures there:

  • It supports a revision of the Nationally Determined Contributions and advises decision-makers on how a paradigm shift can be achieved in the transport and energy sector.
  • It demonstrates the benefits of electric mobility in pilot schemes (electric buses, cars and boats) in Saint Lucia, Jamaica and Guyana. At the same time, it facilitates access to investment in electric mobility.
  • It offers training within the relevant organisations, such as ministries. It also promotes vocational education and training to prepare skilled workers for the transition in the transport sector.

The project works with the following partners: Climate Analytics Inc., the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the University of the West Indies (UWI), and SIDS DOCK.

Last update: January 2023

Additional information