Two projects recently completed by ECPA strategic partner Worldwatch Institute are joining the ECPA project portfolio in 2014. The projects are “Phase 1 of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Roadmap Strategy initiative (C-SERMS)” and “The Way Forward for Renewable Energy in Central America.” Both efforts advance the goals enshrined in the seven fundamental pillars of ECPA.

Worldwatch completed Phase 1 of C-SERMS, which provides a baseline report that assesses the status of CARICOM Member States regarding individual country efforts to advance sustainable energy solutions. This report also establishes initial regional and country targets for short-, medium-, and long-term renewable energy penetration, energy efficiency gains and greenhouse gas emission reduction. In addition, the report provides a general timeline for moving forward with key “next steps” that will enable CARICOM to work with Member States in a coordinated effort to achieve these goals. Various organizations contributed to this work, including the CARICOM Secretariat, the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), the Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS), and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Worldwatch has completed the report “The Way Forward for Renewable Energy in Central America”. This work is the most comprehensive and up-to-date status survey and gap assessment of renewable energy in Central America. It is the Institute’s most recent addition to a growing collection of work that can help advance renewable energy development in the region. The report is consistent with ECPA’s goal of furthering clean energy and resilient infrastructure in the region through policy dialogue to meet the modern-day challenges and expected demand growth in the coming decades.

Worldwatch’s top mission objectives are universal access to renewable energy and nutritious food, expansion of environmentally sound jobs and development, transformation of cultures from consumerism to sustainability, and an early end to population growth through healthy and intentional childbearing. Studies of this nature are valuable for establishing a sound regional energy policy repository. ECPA and Worldwatch will work jointly to further their shared energy and climate goals in 2014.