Caribbean RE: policies, competition and regulations

Abstract

PurposeA growing body of research has identified many barriers (such as education, identification of appropriate technologies, research and development in the indigenous environments and, perhaps most importantly, public policy) to the implementation of renewable energy (RE) programmes in small island developing states (SIDS). This paper seeks to examine the proposition that lack of an integrated RE policy, necessary non‐technical infrastructure and insufficient investment continues to limit the development and commercialization of RE technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed literature, focusing on policies for supporting RE and the issues of competition and regulation. Caribbean policies for supporting RE were compared with those in selected countries.FindingsThe findings indicate that while undertaking a series of policy, economic, market and research and development (R&D) measures will advance the RE technologies and their deployment, it is also the case that regulatory mandates and financial incentives can lead to the same result.Practical implicationsThe study represents a starting‐point for further research into the complicated interplay between competition and regulations in the development and commercialization of renewable technologies.Originality/valueAs we face fundamental issues of alternative energy use across the Caribbean region, the lack of an integrated RE policy, necessary non‐technical infrastructure and insufficient investment continues to limit the development and commercialization of RE technologies. Deeper understandings of this may help governments build a compelling case.