Page 6 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021
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of more standalone systems into island energy       The introduction of innovative energy
               dynamics is just one example of energy security   services, however, such as the Integrated Utility
               in the face of disaster.                        Service  (IUS)  Model  could  help  to  diversify
                       The  Caribbean  region  possesses  a  large,   the utility’s business model by providing new
               unlocked  potential  of  renewable  energy  (RE)   revenues  from  the  implementation  of  RE
               sources. The challenge, however, consists of    and EE measures on the demand side, while
               finding  and  designing  tailored  solutions  and   at the same time delivering energy savings
               mechanisms for smart management and flexible    to  customers.  Within  the  present  edition,
               operation of our power networks that permit     the  main  considerations,  requirements  and
               the targeted high penetration of renewable      options around the IUS models are outlined by
               energies into our energy systems. It is essential   the GIZ Technical Assistance Programme for
               that this is implemented without compromising   Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean (TAPSEC).
               the security of the energy supply and overall   The article further provides first experiences and
               energy  affordability.  Within  this  edition,  our   recommendations from field implementation
               CARILEC members and partners share their        of the model in Barbados, Belize, Guyana and
               experiences and best-practice examples with     Jamaica.
               storage technologies and measures for grid          Following the aim to share additional ideas,
               flexibility to allow for more intermittent RE in   concepts  and  solutions,  we  continue  with
               their  power  systems.  In  addition,  innovative   presenting several innovative technologies and
               supporting technologies and mechanisms for RE   business models, that allow utilities to further
               expansion are presented and explained in detail.  explore the market opportunities for sustainable
                       Despite  the  well-recognized  potential  for,   energy services. Such services include the
               and  steps  to  promote  energy  efficiency  (EE),   provision  of  the  required  infrastructure  and
               the progress in implementation of respective    electricity supply for electric mobility as well
               measures is still slow. This is mainly due to   as the delivery of techno-financial services to
               an over-reliance on a risk averse, private      implement EE measures and decentralized RE
               sector to carry out EE projects in the absence   generation in the private sector and the industry
               of a suitable, market framework. Customers      i.e., through an ESCo-Model.
               typically are aware of financial benefits from       The underlying logic of an ESCo business
               energy conservation but do not possess the      model for EE is to offer a solution whereby the
               financial capacity and the required knowledge   Energy Service Company (ESCo), i.e., the local
               to select, invest and implement comprehensive   utility, converts energy inefficiencies into future
               EE measures on the demand side. The utility     cash flows and required investments are repaid
               on the other hand is facing a future where they   from  guaranteed  savings  or  sales  of  excess
               could see reduced sales of electricity due to an   energy. For that purpose, ESCos cover technical
               increased penetration of both, renewables and   and financial risks for the design, installation,
               efficiency.                                     financing and operation of energy plants or EE


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