IT IS NOT SURPRISING that researchers from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, concluded that for a region blessed with an abundance of sunshine and wind, the Caribbean presently produces very little renewable energy, instead using imported diesel or fuel oil for almost all power and electricity.
While there may be several contributing factors, some interesting comments were made by Professor Harrie Vrendenburg after conclusion of the research project that covered 36 political jurisdictions, 12 island case studies and 75 in-depth interviews.
Vrendenburg, director of Global Energy Executive MBA programme at Haskayne School of Business at Calgary University, and chair of Suncor Energy in competitive strategy and sustainable development, discovered that:
• When the incumbent electrical utility was influential in policy-making, there was reduced renewable energy.
• When the incumbent electrical utility was kept at arms’ length and not so influential, when governments relied on external advisers or had their own independent policies, then more renewable energy existed.
The professor emphasised: “Yes, use the technical expertise of the electrical utilities, but be careful not to bring them in too close. They have the natural tendency and motivation to put the brakes on renewable energy, not because they are nasty or anything like that, but it’s just that their current business is doing very well.”
He further warned: “Be careful of getting their technical expertise but not allowing them to run the show.”
The professor had much more to say about the research paper published in the monthly journal Energy Policy.
It is critical that governments across the region have access to this highly informative research document, study its contents and act accordingly. In other words, do what is in the best interest of their constituents.
– MICHAEL RAY
