Birthed out of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP), which focused on removal of barriers to renewable energy use in the region, the Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy (CIPORE) represents a milestone in the region's development of a more sustainable energy sector. Access to data, information, and resource persons in a centralised location will revolutionise the way that energy professionals share, learn, grow and work.

National administrators and other participants at the CIPORE workshop

The workshop was a continuation of the training for national node administrators started in February. These persons are responsible for the content appearing on their country's home page. There are 13 participating countries at present, including Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in Jamaica functions as the central administator.

Prof Anthony Chen delivering his keynote address

The portal was officially launched by Professor the Honourable Anthony Chen, OM, of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. He received a Nobel Peace Prize, along with several other Caribbean scientists, for his contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report released in 2007.

This portal will improve the knowledge base for decision making in the energy sector, enhance opportunities for cooperation and networking amongst stakeholders and partners, allow exchange of ideas, and facilitate publicising of events and achievements in the renewable energy arena throughout the region.

Key functionalities and features of the portal are outlined below:

Information Centre

• Projects database
• Renewable energy statistics
• Renewable energy policies, plans and legislation
• Documents and technical publications
• Articles and speeches

Communications Centre

• Directory of professionals, public and private sector organisations, and hotels involved in renewable energy
• Forum for posting topics and having discussions
• Chatrooms for live communication with members
• Live meeting facility for up to 20 persons to share presentations, documents and have discussion

Demonstration Centre

• Photo and video galleries
• 3-D virtual tours of project sites

News and events of happenings throughout the region.

Country home pages with a synopsis of the country, a snapshot of installed renewable energy applications, contact information for the node administrator/focal point, news, events, projects, etc.

Related Links

Archived News Articles and Press Releases Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy (CIPORE) GEF Small Grants Programme Global Environment Facility (GEF)