Grenada Capacity Building Programme for Energy Management and Energy Audits

Grenada, like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and yet is still heavily dependent on expensive fossil fuel imports to meets its energy needs including the generation of electricity. In particular, the high cost of oil imports has resulted in the relatively high price of electricity, goods and services in the country. Consequently, decreasing the amount of electricity and fossil fuel used can provide significant financial benefits to consumers while playing a central role in tackling the climate crisis through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, improving energy efficiency and conservation through proper energy management practices can positively impact the Grenadian economy  by generating energy and money savings which can  bolster the country’s energy security and can deliver financial benefits to public budgets. In this regard, the Government plays an instrumental role in establishing suitable policies, rules and regulations on the generation, transmission, consumption and supply of electricity. A government-wide approach to energy efficiency and conservation can result in more effective national planning, informed decision making and alignment of strategic actions across various sectors.  Furthermore, capacity building and knowledge sharing form a critical element of energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Engaging training institutions to deliver formal programmes on energy efficiency and conservation can therefore serve as a sustainable, long-term approach to building the capacity of the Grenadian population on cleaner energy production and more efficient energy consumption practices.

Recognising the challenges that SIDS are facing with their natural environment being vulnerable to climate change impacts and with heavy dependence on fossil fuels with high price volatility, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) is providing support to SIDS energy transition through the uptake of renewables and energy efficiency and in collaboration with the NDC Partnership through the Climate Action Enhanced Package (CAEP) and the Government of Grenada have developed a Capacity Building Programme for Energy Management and Energy Audits.

This event was the third segment of Grenada’s Capacity Building Programme which aimed to strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders to conduct energy audits to better understand and manage energy consumption. In this two-day webinar which targeted government institutions, statutory organisations, and training institutions, participants learnt about:

• The principles of energy use, including the importance of energy efficiency and conservation and its contribution to addressing climate change and sustainable development
• The factors that impact electricity rates in Grenada and components of the electricity bill
• How to conduct an energy audit and manage electricity consumption through a range of energy conservation measures and best practices in various sectors.

Watch the recordings

Day 1

Day 2

For more information, please visit the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) website.