Regaining paradise

Caribbean small island Sates - working assiduously to achieve the best development outcome, even though they bear only marginal responsibility for global greenhouse gas levels - have set targets for incorporating renewable energy technologies. They recognize that their rapid diffusion is critical for both cutting emissions and achieving sustainable development. Settled targets for renewables differ among the islands but generally range from 15 per cent to 30 per cent of total energy by 2020. Renewable energy projects have been and are being developed, many with the support of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme - an initiative of the Energy Ministers of the Caribbean Community to 'reduce barriers to the increased use of renewable energy thus reducing the dependency on fossil fuels while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.' Caribbean development can be anchored on renewable energy. Several initiatives are in progress: Jamaica has a CDM-certified wind farm and the utility companies in Barbados, Guyana, Grenada and Dominica are also preparing to use wind power. Jamaica is experimenting with hydroelectricity, cogeneration from bagasse and biomass and is already adding ethanol to petrol. Some islands have landfill gas recovery; others are taking steps toward it.