MINISTRY OF PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

	Mission Statement
	To foster sustainable improvement in the quality of life of all Saint Lucians, through effective integrated planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of physical/spatial, technological, economic, environmental and social development activities.

Saint Lucia to develop a sustainable energy plan

Energy is a vital component of development, affecting both economic and social growth. Realizing development beyond that of a subsistence economy requires at least minimum access to energy services by a high percentage of the population. Most developing countries are forced to depend on inefficient and polluting energy sources owing to their struggling economies and a general absence of relevant technology to explore alternative sources. However, recently the island of Saint Lucia took the bold step of endeavouring to become the world's first sustainable energy country.

Saint Lucia is a volcanic island located in the Eastern Caribbean. Its' natural beauty has made it an increasingly popular tourist destination. This, along with rapid development, has contributed to a growing demand for energy. The local utility LUCELEC has an exclusive license to generate and distribute electricity and currently supplies about 98% of the population. Electricity generation is characterized by total dependence on diesel-powered generators. Cognisant of the need to address and ensure the long-term sustainability of the energy sector, the Government recently approved the development of a sustainable energy plan for Saint Lucia.

Currently, energy experts from the Climate Institute and the Organization of American States, together with the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing are finalizing the plan. This plan lays out a strategy for the maintenance and growth of the energy sector in Saint Lucia through effective management. It seeks to attain a set of energy sector targets through the implementation of actions which will create a policy and regulatory framework to encourage diversification of the local energy market and the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation.

Renewable energy

Geothermal exploration in Saint Lucia

Much research has already been undertaken into Saint Lucia' s geothermal resource but an additional assessment of the island's market potential for renewable energy is needed. Potential energy sources include biomass, wind, solar and geothermal. These energy sources can provide energy services with almost zero emissions whilst improving local technology and providing job opportunities. The plan aspires to produce an electricity generation mix by introducing a Renewables Portfolio Standard that will ensure that a specific percentage of electricity is generated via renewable-energy systems. This will ultimately result in 30% of installed capacity being delivered from renewable sources by 2010.

The current exclusive arrangement with the electric utility may not allow for the achievement of the renewable-energy targets in the plan. Hence the plan makes provision for experienced independent power producers to establish projects that can sell electricity derived from renewable sources to the local utility. Such an endeavour will require the appropriate regulatory framework to support it, including regulations governing the relationships between independent power producers and the local utility. Policies that permit companies to generate their own electricity while maintaining a continuous link to the power grid are also proposed.

Photovoltaic technology used to power a remotely located school in Saint Lucia

Solar energy is perhaps the most abundant renewable energy source in Saint Lucia. A solar heating initiative is planned to generate an increase in the use of solar water heaters. This will significantly reduce the high cost of water heating for both the residential and commercial sectors. Tax concessions have been introduced to combat the high initial costs of solar water heaters. Solar photovoltaic systems are also being promoted to provide back power during emergency situations and as demonstration units.

The increased use of renewable-energy technologies in Saint Lucia requires the appropriate national technical capacity. This will be provided through a training initiative aimed at utility personnel and potential project developers. A national renewable energy education and awareness programme is also planned to communicate the advantages of renewables to the general public. The Government of Saint Lucia also hopes to take the lead role in the creation of a dedicated renewable energy fund. This fund will provide concessional financing for renewable energy project feasibility studies and for project investment.

Energy efficiency

Increased energy efficiency is also a major part of the energy plan. The plan aims to effect a 15% reduction in projected peak demand and installed capacity by 2010. Achieving this target requires public awareness/education campaigns aimed at changing attitudes and behavioural patterns with respect to energy usage. The first step will be to conduct an analysis of the existing conservation opportunities. This requires a detailed study of energy end use practices in all sectors of the economy. Capacity-building among the organizations and individuals participating in energy efficiency programmes will also be developed.

The establishment of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) will also provide the avenue for consultancy for business enterprises. A national demand-side management initiative is also planned, initially targeting the residential sector. This will require a well-organized and innovative public awareness programme that clearly communicates the need for and potential benefits of energy conservation in the home. Government will take the lead role by establishing a set of energy efficiency standards for public buildings. A manual will be developed outlining energy efficiency standards and conservation measures for existing and new buildings.

Transportation

The transportation sector is a major consumer of energy but is perhaps the most difficult area to control, as it requires a major change in human attitudes and behaviour. As is the case with most developing countries, economic growth is causing an increase in both the number of vehicles and their usage. It is estimated that by 2010 the fleet of vehicles on Saint Lucian roads would have doubled. Detailed planning and foresight is needed to deal with the potential implications. Currently all vehicles are gasoline or diesel powered. The sustainable energy plan seeks to investigate options for the use of alternative fuelled vehicles. At the moment, electric and hybrid powered vehicles are being considered, but biofuel and compressed natural gas (CNG) are also receiving attention.

Future

The adoption and implementation of the sustainable energy plan will have significant economic and environmental benefits for Saint Lucia. The effective management of the energy sector will ultimately result in a reduction in local energy costs and foreign exchange spent on fuel imports. Exploitation of indigenous and renewable sources of energy will provide insulation from volatile oil price fluctuations and provide opportunities for investment, employment and technological advances. In addition, the plan encourages an improvement in air quality, which has implications for public health. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will reinforce Saint Lucia's commitment to the local and global environments.

Through this initiative, Saint Lucia will effectively demonstrate the feasibility and advantages to be derived from sustainable energy policies to a global audience. Energy sustainability entails a change in attitude and behavioural patterns at every level of a small society and major shifts in public policy. In this case however, small size may work to St. Lucia's advantage by positioning her to take the leading role and demonstrate how energy strategies can simultaneously benefit the environment, the economy and human well-being.

Sustainable Development and Environment Section
Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing
Greaham Louisy Administrative Building
The Waterfront
P.O. Box 709
Castries
St. Lucia, West Indies

Contact Person: Mrs Alison King-Joseph
Permanent Secretary

Email:		estplanning@candw.lc
Fax:		(758) 451-6958/452-2056
Tel:		(758) 468-4459/451-8746

 

Click here to obtain a copy of RENEWABLE ENERGY 2008