More About the Clinton Climate Initiative

Small islands contribute the least to climate change yet feel the greatest impact of its consequences. They are increasingly threatened by sea-level rise and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck several Caribbean islands within 10 days of each other, and in September 2019 Hurricane Dorian devastated the northern Bahamas. These storms have caused thousands of deaths and more than US$100 billion in economic costs, both of which were exacerbated by loss of power.

Island nations rely primarily on imported fossil fuels to meet their electricity needs. In many cases, the cost of purchasing imported fuel can exceed 25% of GDP. As a result, electricity rates in these countries are some of the highest in the world – on average 2-3 times higher than the United States.  Many residents live in “fuel poverty,” by spending over 10% of their income on electricity, limiting individuals’ savings and broader economic growth. But island nations have abundant natural resources that can provide clean, affordable, locally-produced energy. Since islands require relatively small electricity systems, they can more quickly shift to innovative renewable energy generation models and become global leaders in climate adaptation and mitigation while also accelerating economic activity.

What we do

The Island Energy Program aims to accelerate transitions to low-carbon economies in order to:

• Build resilient energy systems to withstand natural disasters

• Stabilize the cost of electricity for households and businesses

• Reduce fossil fuel use and lower GHG emissions

• Increase environmental benefits and community health

• Grow local investment opportunities and keep more capital in-country

• Diversify the local job market

CCI partners with 15 countries across the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, bringing together critical stakeholders from across the public and private sectors and NGOs to enable the transition to a low-carbon, more resilient economies and societies. Since 2012, CCI has assisted in developing more than 70 megawatts of clean energy projects, lowering emissions by over 90,000 metric tons of CO2, and bringing more than $125 million in project investments that have been leveraged across five islands.

How we work

A lasting transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency requires three core elements:

1. Develop national renewable energy strategies: First, CCI brings together stakeholders across the Government, utility and private sector to create an integrated, fact-based, mutually-agreed upon National Energy Transition Strategies (NETS). Furthermore, CCI spearheads the effort with key stakeholders to create a roadmap of priority energy projects for the near- and long-term.

2. Prepare & implement renewable energy projects: Second, CCI prepares and implements proof-of-concept renewable energy and energy efficiency projects by providing technical studies, supporting to secure project finance, and guiding robust procurement processes that engage top energy developers.

3. Improve local capacity: Third, CCI improves the capacity and technical skills of renewable energy practitioners to create local ownership of the energy transition process. In partnership with regional and international organizations, the Clinton Climate Initiative organizes and delivers online and in-person trainings, which connect island energy practitioners to relevant resources and tools. In 2016, the Clinton Climate Initiative also launched the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network, a professional development network of more than 500 members with the mission to increase the number of women in leadership positions within the energy sector on islands.