Page 17 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021

FLATTEN THE LEARNING CURVE
We believe that governments with a stable long-
term vision and implementation plans for increased
renewable energy create the best opportunities for
project development. By working collaboratively
and transparently, Caribbean utilities, government,
and regulators can help flatten the learning curve
for first-of-a-kind projects. As energy providers,
regulatory bodies and ministries get up to speed on
the process and requirements (in particular, those
imposed by lenders), more renewable energy will
be incorporated to meet the aggressive renewable
energy targets set by many Caribbean nations.
As an example, in 2016, WRB Energy found Jamaica
to be well-organized and applying industry best
practices via its public tender process to help realize
the benefits of solar and wind. WRB Energy’s 28 MWp
Content Solar site developed in Clarendon, Jamaica,
followed very structured and rigorous tender and
contract procedures. This helped to facilitate a
successful project completion for all parties involved,
including the Jamaica Public Service Company,
government ministries, regulatory bodies, project
neighbors and investors. All participants worked
collaboratively to execute, develop and deliver the
project, on-time and on-budget.

LAND IS PRECIOUS
Securing appropriate land for project siting poses
significant challenges. In the Caribbean, there is
tremendous pride in land ownership, with small
parcels of land being passed from generation to
generation. Sadly, there is also a history of very
informal and murky land dealings, which leads to
clouded property titles. Consequently, title issues
combined with a well-deserved skepticism can
create local owner resistance to land transactions
and long-term lease agreements for fear of not being
compensated or paid fairly. Also, if available land is
inhabited, the added expense of relocating people
and buildings is a factor negatively impacting project
capital costs.
Additionally, rugged or volcanic terrain can cause
higher transportation and construction costs. It is
difficult to find large, flat parcels of land conducive
to renewable energy development. Mountains, hills,
and rocky, uneven roadways trigger higher costs
for transporting large equipment and project site
preparation.

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