Nassau 2024 Trade Mission Success
Source: | · DEC · | April 12, 2024
In March, Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) took a delegation of 10 Canadian microgrid technology providers to Nassau, New Providence in The Bahamas on a trade mission. This Mission was the final activity of the Canada Caribbean Microgrid Trade Accelerator Program, supported by CanExport and implemented by DEC in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Once there, Canadian companies met with Caribbean project partners seeking solutions for emissions reductions, and energy resiliency and affordability concerns.
The weeklong trip included site tours of the mechanical and energy infrastructure of 3 collocated hotels and resorts; The British Colonial Hotel, Margaritaville Beach Resort, and One Particular Harbour. With this first-hand account and understanding of the energy demands of these hotels, as well as access to their energy consumption data; various cost-saving, emissions reducing and resilient upgrades were evaluated and discussed between participants. This discussion culminated in multiple participants proposing joint application of technologies to more effectively and efficiently meet the energy demands of these hotels.
DEC’s Canada Caribbean Microgrids Summit took place at the half way mark of the weeklong trade mission. Opening remarks were delivered by The Honourable Prime Minister Davis, which he followed up with a comprehensive discussion with summit attendees on The Bahama’s need for more resiliency, efficiency, renewables and an increase in carbon emission reductions. The resounding success of the Summit was a in part due to the diverse participation of both Bahamian and Caribbean companies, industry associations, academic institutes, the Canadian Trade Commissioners Service from the Canadian High Commission and from the Government of The Bahamas.
Over the next few days, the Canadian delegation met with representatives from the University of the Bahamas, Canadian Trade Commissioners from throughout the region, representatives from the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and RMI to discuss and develop over 38 project leads and proposals for not only the Family Islands but various islands throughout the Caribbean region. The incredible success of this mission is in part thanks to not only the diverse and talented network of Canadian decentralised energy and microgrid technology providers that participated, CanExport and RMI, but the incredibly hospitable and forward thinking Government of The Bahamas officials and local project developers alike.
CDN Trade Mission Companies: ARCUS Power, UNICO Power, eDecisions, Modern Huts, Clem Geo-Energy Corp., CORE Renewable Energy, Aqua-Cell Energy, ESG Partners, Power & Precision Industries Inc., Ascent Systems Technologies