More than 100 delegates, including government and industry leaders will gather for the Caribbean Transitional Energy Conference (CTEC) at the Kimpton Seafire Resort from 13-14 September to discuss the latest advancements in renewable energy technology and how to create models of sustainability for small island nations.
The conference, being held for the second year, will provide attendees a forum to hear distinguished local and international experts speak on ways to embrace renewable energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which will provide key environmental, social and economic benefits.
Topics down for discussion include: energy security in British Overseas Territories, waste as a renewable resource, re-imagining the wind turbine, and looking at the Caribbean one year after the devastating effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“There is a clear opportunity for Cayman to emerge as a regional leader in developing solutions to address climate change through the adoption of renewable energy,” said Mr James Whittaker, CTEC Organiser and President of the Cayman Renewable Energy Association (CREA).
“It is about ensuring sustainable social and economic growth through strong leadership and practical decision-making, recognising the threat of climate change, the vulnerability of islands across the world and voicing our commitment to take necessary and immediate measures for the future,” Mr Whittaker added.
Minister for Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Hon. Joseph Hew, who will outline the goals and strategies of the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy at the conference, said it was an opportune time to dedicate two days to focus on renewables.
“As a government, we are committed to working toward drastically cutting carbon emissions and increasing the islands’ renewable energy sources in the coming years with a target of 70% of energy generated by renewables by 2037. Against that backdrop, CTEC allows all stakeholders to network and share ideas that promote environmental sustainability not only in the Cayman Islands but also across our Caribbean neighbours,” Minister Hew said.
The conference will feature exhibitors showcasing new products and ideas. Among them will be NASA, who will be presenting its Science On a Sphere, a room-sized global display system that uses animated images of complex environmental processes such as atmospheric storms, climate change and ocean temperatures to help increase public understanding of the environment.
Another exhibitor is BarberWind Turbines, LLC, a sponsor of the conference. "We are big supporters of CTEC's efforts. Our 800kW Turbine is designed for microgrid and stand-alone applications. Because it can be installed without a crane and hinged down in the event of a hurricane, the BarberWind Turbine is ideal for helping island nations become less dependent on diesel fuel and achieving their renewable energy goals,” said Jerry Barber, Inventor and Chairman of BarberWind Turbines, LLC.
The conference will feature Hollywood actor and UN Environmental Goodwill Ambassador, Adrian Grenier, best known for his role in hit TV show Entourage, as keynote speaker.
Registration is now open at the rate of CI $500 / USD $ 625.
For more information on the CTEC schedule, registration and more, visit http://cteccayman.com/.
Committed CTEC 2018 sponsors include: Cayman Islands Government, BarberWind Turbines, LLC, Electronic Power Design, Inc., Dart, GreenTech Solar, Elms Consulting, Tower and the Cayman Renewable Energy Association.