Anguilla is moving away from its dependence on conventional fossil-fuel energy and tapping into modern energy sources.
In an event held on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023 at the CeBlue Villas and Beach Resort, an innovative renewable energy project, Resembid, was launched through the Anguilla Renewable Energy Programme (AREP).
Resembid stands for ‘Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity’ and will drive the development of full sustainable energy sources for the island.
Introducing the Resembid initiative, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure Communication and Utilities, Mr. Bancroft Battick said: “It is my pleasure to introduce Resembid, with the tagline: ‘streamlining Anguilla’s Energy Sector towards a more sustainable future.’ This programme aims to support efforts towards future renewable energy development in Anguilla.”
Mr. Battick said that the Resembid Project will be funded by the European Union Initiative, and implemented by the Development Corporation Agency of the Government of France.
He noted that similar initiatives are being carried out in other countries of the Caribbean region as well.
Mr. Battick said he was also looking forward to the collaboration of the Anguilla Electricity Company ANGLEC, in the Resembid Project.
“It is my hope that we have full participation of not just a part of the populace, but the involvement of all key stakeholders. With ANGLEC being one of those key stakeholders, it is hoped that it will integrate with the Resembid Project, thus moving away from fossil fuel” he said.
Project Coordinator in the Ministry, Mr. Travis Carty, said: “To support future renewable energy in Anguilla, we will be improving public knowledge awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards energy efficiency. We will strengthen capacity and competences to lead the energy transition from fossil-fuel sources to renewable energy sources. We will develop proof of concept activities to inspire increased uptake of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy efficiency technologies, such as electric vehicles in Anguilla.”
“The Resembid project,” Mr. Carty said, “will have three aims:
1. An integrated resource and resilience plan. This plan will entail a series of meetings with stakeholders and research studies to derive information on Anguilla’s current status and identify the most viable options to progress with our energy transition.
2. A green block will be developed. This will consist of tangible outputs such as an electric vehicle charging stations, and retrofitted buildings with more efficient air-condition units and lighting. These features will demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency practices in Anguilla.
3. Training will be conducted to ensure sustainability and continuity of Anguilla’s renewable energy programme. Training of various stakeholders across the private and public sectors will be fundamental. This component will allow training in entry level and advance solar design and installation. It will also include energy audits for efficiency, renewable energy financing, and electric vehicle technology training.”
Mr. Carty further said that the Resembid project is not to be considered as a project with a defined boundary line, but that the Government of Anguilla will continue to drive towards transforming our energy sector from individual households to public spaces and in commercial complexes.
The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities, Transport and Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes said he was pleased to launch the Resembid Project, ‘streamlining Anguilla’s Energy Sector towards a more sustainable future.’
“As the Minister responsible for Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Transport and Tourism, I have seen the demand for energy security increased over the years,” he stated. “Notably, energy is at the core of our operations….. This Government is keen on transitioning the entire energy sector of Anguilla. This will take all the will and fortitude we can muster, but we are up to the task.”
Project Manager, Mr. Michael Vince said: “Climate change is real. Those of us who live in the Caribbean are most heavily impacted by its effects. With the Government of Anguilla implementing the Resembid Project, through the assistance of the European Union and Expertise France, monumental and positive impacts will be made in the lives of all Anguillians by revolutionizing their living with new sources of energy.”
The public agency, Expertise France, is the entity that will be directing the implementation of the Resembid Project.
“On behalf of Expertise France, the French and European Technical Corporation Agency, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Government of Anguilla for inviting us to the launch of the Resembid Project”, the Director General of Expertise France, Mr. Jérémie Pellet said.
He opined that this very essential project will ensure greater integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the island’s electricity and transportation sectors.
“It is indeed heartening to learn about Anguilla’s renewable energy plans and potential. I know that the government is building on this opportunity by its energy policy framework”, he continued
After extending a warm welcome the visiting Resembid team, the Honorable Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster said that is was admirable to see the Director of Expertise France himself, coming to Anguilla for the launch of the Resembid Project.
“It shows the commitment of Expertise France,” he said. “It shows that this is an important project, not only for Anguilla, but for the region. It shows that the expertise that we will benefit from is essential to our survival and our thriving.”
“It is these types of partnerships,” he continued, “in which technical expertise and funding is provided, which contribute to Anguilla’s sustainable development. I express gratitude for the mechanism of the European Development Fund that has allowed us to benefit as Overseas Countries and Territories. And the approach that has been taken in the programming phase is most commendable.”
“It is a pleasure to be part of the next step in the rollout of the Resembid programmes. These project- launches are a true indicator that we are now entering the full stages of implementation, which is the most dynamic stage……We need to have 100% transition to renewable energy,” the Premier said.
“I applaud the Ministry of Infrastructure and Utilities and the Department of Natural Resources for a timely and well thought out initiative. To all those involved, both past and present, I say a hearty thank you”, Premier Webster concluded.
