CARILEC signs MOU to strengthen energy capacity in the Caribbean

THE CARIBBEAN ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICES CORPORATION (CARILEC) and Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI), have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will set the stage for a comprehensive programme of training, knowledge exchange, and technical capacity building across the region.

This partnership brings together CARILEC’s powerful network of over 100 members, including electric utilities, independent power producers, regulators, academic institutions, and energy service providers, with GSI’s recognised expertise in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and sustainable transportation, a CARILEC release has stated.

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to fostering a future-ready Caribbean energy workforce equipped to lead the region’s clean energy transformation, the St Lucia-headquartered entity said in the release.

Beginning in 2025, CARILEC, and GSI, located in Jamaica, will collaborate under the new agreement to deliver high-quality, certified training programmes in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure. These programmes will be offered in blended formats—virtual and in-person—and tailored to the specific needs of utility professionals, engineers, regulators, and energy entrepreneurs across the region. CARILEC said the training will emphasise real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and direct exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies.

Beyond technical instruction, the partnership will enable the development of professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities, helping to raise the overall competency and recognition of regional talent. CARILEC and GSI will also host knowledge-sharing events, including fora, workshops, and industry networking sessions, to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector. It said by integrating global best practices and international standards, the initiative aims to ensure that Caribbean energy stakeholders remain well-positioned within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

Executive Director of CARILEC, Dr Cletus Bertin said “The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model.”

This MOU responds directly to the calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies, the release added.

The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever. The collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing, ultimately facilitating the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.

Executive Director of GSI, Dr Wayne Archibald said “This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration— it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future,” adding that “For too long, our energy landscape has depended on imported expertise.”