Building Capacity for Anguilla’s Sustainable Future
As the world shifts towards clean, resilient, and inclusive energy, Anguilla is making bold moves to ensure that its people – its most valuable resource – are ready to lead the charge. The recent conclusion of the Capacity Building Series under the Anguilla Renewable Energy Programme (AREP), part of the EU-funded, RESEMBID-supported project “Streamlining Anguilla’s Energy Sector Towards a More Sustainable Future”, marks a significant milestone in Anguilla’s renewable energy transition.
This Series, held between 2 September and 3 October 2024, featured seven specialised workshops across three thematic areas: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Green Financing. The series builds on earlier efforts, including the Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Programme held in February 2024, and reflects AREP’s ongoing commitment to equipping residents with the tools to shape a cleaner, smarter energy future.
Investing in People: The Foundation of Energy Transition
Opening the series, Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism (MICUH&T), Haydn Hughes, underscored the significance of this initiative:
“Today, we are investing in our most valuable resource — our people. The shift to sustainable practices requires not only technological advancements but also new skills, innovative thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning.”
With this in mind, Econoler (AREP’s Capacity Building Consultant), designed and delivered a blended training approach, combining in-person, classroom-style workshops, practical fieldwork and visits, and virtual sessions to ensure accessibility and depth of learning.
Three Themes. One Shared Vision.
Over 70 participants from the energy, transport, and financial sectors completed one or more of the capacity-building workshop sessions. Each participant received Certificates of Participation to recognise their efforts and dedication to the sustainable energy transition.
Energy Efficiency Sessions
The first week kicked off with a 1-day Introduction to Energy Efficiency and a 4-day Energy Auditing Workshop. Participants explored global efficiency trends, green building design, and energy conservation strategies. The auditing segment provided practical experience in identifying energy-saving opportunities through detailed consumption analysis and on-site audits.
These sessions equipped participants — many of whom were local contractors, electricians, civil servants, and educators — with the skills to design and advocate for energy-saving solutions across homes, public buildings, and businesses.
Renewable Energy Sessions
The Series continued with hands-on training in Solar PV Design and Installation, where participants engaged with solar components and simulation software to understand system design, safety, and maintenance.
The Series concluded with a session on Regulation and Integration of Renewable Energy, which focused on policy and technical considerations for integrating renewables into Anguilla’s energy mix. Participants gained insights into grid code development, utility frameworks, and the importance of institutional readiness.
Together, these workshops laid the groundwork for a workforce capable of supporting the growing demand for solar installations and the seamless integration of clean energy technologies.
Green Financing
To ensure financial mechanisms can keep pace with technical advancements, the Series features three sessions: Introduction to Renewable Energy Financing; Advanced Renewable Energy Financing and Developing Microfinance Products.
These sessions targeted professionals in banking, credit union, lending agencies and finance and other professionals, helping them understand the unique characteristics of renewable energy projects and how to develop accessible loan products to support energy investments.
Creating Momentum Across Sectors
The AREP Capacity Building Series also provided an avenue for cross-sector networking. Public servants shared perspectives with private contractors. Students and teachers learned alongside regulators and financiers. Together, they forged a network of informed, skilled stakeholders aligned with a shared goal: a resilient and sustainable Anguilla.
AREP’s Project Coordinator, Mr. Travis Carty, shared at the certificate handover ceremony: “Your dedication is essential in advancing Anguilla’s renewable energy transition. Let’s harness this momentum and continue to drive our energy transformation forward.”
Project Chair, Mr. Karim Hodge, also reminded participants of the ripple effect of their learning: “The power of collaboration cannot be understated. Each of you now has the potential to create real change — not only through your actions but by influencing others around you.”
Why Capacity Building Matters
Anguilla’s transition to a low-emission future will depend not just on policy decisions or imported technology but on residents who are prepared to plan, implement, and advocate for change. This Series strengthens national readiness in several key ways:
- Increases the local talent for energy planning and audit services
- Empowers small businesses to offer clean energy services
- Informs government planning for energy efficiency upgrades
- Equips financial institutions to support renewable energy loans
- Engages youth in the emerging green economy
The professionals now armed with new knowledge and insights are essential to powering the next chapter of Anguilla’s energy story. The ripple effects of this Capacity Building initiative has the potential to be felt island-wide.
From energy audits to solar panel design, from green finance to grid integration, Anguilla is Plugging Into the Future, one resident at a time.
