From Cana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jun 21, CMC – The United Kingdom (UK) says it will provide technical assistance to the Caribbean as it seeks to develop its energy sector.

London said it would it would also work with the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) on options for “catalyzing a regional gas market” as Caribbean governments continue to explore the potential for natural gas as well as other forms of sustainable energy as an alternative to fuel oil imports.

The UK said it would also “share its experience of managing complex renewable energy systems through a private sector-led knowledge-sharing mechanism on smart grids, distributed generation and holistic energy management systems.

“The UK will work with regional regulators and utilities to progress dialogue on utility reform and models for electricity provision which respond to the challenge of diversifying and securing energy supply whilst maintaining viable electricity companies,” according to a joint statement following the Eighth UK-Caribbean Forum held in London earlier this week.

The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat late Friday released the joint statement, which noted that the Forum enabled UK and Caribbean governments, public, private and donor experts to share knowledge, experience and best practice in the development of sustainable energy solutions.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to diversifying our energy sources and minimising energy waste to ensure a more sustainable and secure energy future. We recognised that upgrading existing generation plants from oil to natural gas and other forms of alternative forms of energy has the potential to reduce energy prices and carbon emissions.”

For more: http://cananewsonline.com/news/99295-united-kingdom-help-for-caribbean-countries.html

IMAGE: britsolar.com