ABU DHABI, UAE – At the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, Barbados delivered a compelling address framing renewable energy as a critical developmental necessity rather than merely an environmental consideration for small island developing states (SIDS). Ambassador Annalee C. Babb, representing both Barbados and the UAE, articulated the unique challenges facing Caribbean nations during the session focused on renewable pathways across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The ambassador emphasized that energy transition represents a strategic imperative for reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, stabilizing electricity costs, and reallocating national budgets toward socioeconomic development. However, she identified significant structural barriers including limited procurement volumes, absence of economies of scale, and prohibitively high storage costs that complicate this transition.
Babb highlighted the particular challenge of energy storage integration, noting that Barbados has reached a pivotal stage where storage solutions are essential for further renewable deployment. She detailed how Caribbean SIDS operate isolated grid systems unlike interconnected Latin American networks, resulting in higher perceived risks and consequently elevated capital costs for energy projects.
The diplomat called for differentiated financing approaches that acknowledge SIDS’ vulnerabilities through simplified application procedures and more accessible funding pathways. She proposed that IRENA could enhance technical assistance for energy storage planning, wind resource assessment, and hybrid system configurations while facilitating concessional finance instruments specifically tailored for small-scale projects.
The assembly proceedings occurred against the backdrop of the United States’ withdrawal from IRENA and numerous other international organizations. Meanwhile, IRENA’s Regional Energy Transition Outlook report presented a comprehensive roadmap for South America to achieve net-zero emissions by the 2050s through scaled renewables, improved efficiency, and enhanced regional power integration.
Babb concluded by advocating for stronger representation of SIDS-specific challenges in IRENA’s analytical work and global advocacy efforts, suggesting dedicated procurement windows for energy storage systems that accommodate small order sizes and extended lead times peculiar to island nations.