By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
The Bahamas has won the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) Industry Award for the third time, with the latest honour for climate resilience in the energy sector due to the the Abaco schools’ solar installation project.
The project was a partnership between the Government, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Compass Power and Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief (RBDR). Vaughn Miller, minister of the environment and natural resources, accepted the award at the 15th annual Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum held in Miami, Florida, between April 26-28.
Also in attendance were Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, the ministry's permanent secretary, and Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) director.
Mr Mille said: “Our experience has taught us that we must look at development differently. Climate change has placed the imperative upon us to build with resilience, and we are responding with the assistance of international partners like RMI and local partners like Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief. We are moving in the right direction.
“The solar installation with battery back-up across these four schools will change the life of the Abaco community. It will open up the imagination of the children. It will improve the quality of life for the residents, and it is a clear indication to all of what is possible. It provides hope, and for that, we are grateful.”
Dr Neely-Murphy said: "The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian provided us with an opportunity to rebuild smarter and better. The schools also serve as hurricane shelters, and with the solar and battery back-up systems they will be able to keep the lights on to continue to service the target communities during power outages and storm events."
The CREF Industry Awards recognises excellence across clean energy programmes and projects in the Caribbean. Nominees are judged across a series of criteria, including innovative approaches to development, value to investors and customers, and social and environmental impact.
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