A new partnership will advance a regulatory framework, utility-scale energy storage, electric vehicle integration, and the promotion of energy efficiency. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Wednesday, October 30, 2019) – On Wednesday, October 23, following Cabinet’s approval, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, FortisTCI – the islands’ utility provider, and the Clinton Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin implementing initiatives supported by the country’s Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS). This strategy was developed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, FortisTCI, and Rocky Mountain Institute in 2018 and provides a roadmap for the country’s energy future over 22 years, from 2019 to 2040. Under the MOU, all parties have committed to accelerate the development and integration of more clean energy sources throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The partnership will advance renewable energy in a number of ways: Building a regulatory framework; Support for permitting and planning of renewable energy projects; Assessment of resources, including wind resources, utility-scale energy storage capabilities, and land assessment of project sites using geographic information system (GIS) tools; Implementation of renewable energy technical skills analysis; Integration of electric vehicles; and Promotion of energy efficiency. Speaking on the MOU, the Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation Honorable Goldray Ewing, said, “TCIG is committed to developing a clean energy future for Turks and Caicos Islands that will decrease the islands’ reliance on imported fossil fuel, reduce the cost of electricity for households and businesses, and demonstrate the country’s willingness to play a lead role in efforts to combat climate change. This agreement represents the first step towards that goal.” FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell, said, "The transformation of the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands is taking shape, and the continued collaborative approach is critical to our success in transforming to the new energy future. By working together to advance sustainable and resilient energy projects in the TCI, we can meet the objectives established in the R-NETS. These objectives bring value and benefits to all stakeholders. Mr. Powell added, "FortisTCI is pleased to continue partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Government and the Rocky Mountain Institute, and we look forward to working with the Clinton Foundation. Renewable energy brings with it great opportunities. There is no doubt that together, we can create an energy-producing economy and become less dependent on hydrocarbons. Together we can enable supply and price stability, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation across the TCI." Senior Project Manager, Clinton Climate Initiative Alexis Tubb, said, “The global community is looking to the greater Caribbean region to be first responders and champions for the fight against climate change. Replicable, scalable projects have the potential to show the world that renewable energy is affordable, economically sound, and environmentally sustainable. To make those projects possible, everyone needs to come to the table – the public, private, and non-profit sector. This MOU symbolizes that in Turks and Caicos all parties have come to that proverbial table and shown their commitment to accelerate clean energy.” The Clinton Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Institute work together with governments and utilities to help foster the development and integration of renewable energy by enabling financing opportunities and providing project support. This work is made possible by the players of the Nationale Postcode Loterij in the Netherlands and the People’s Postcode Lottery in the United Kingdom.
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