BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a five-million US grant to fund a transformative initiative to improve access to electricity for several rural communities in Haiti. Residents currently rely on candles, kerosene, dry wood, and charcoal for lighting and cooking.
The CDB said its First Power (Rural Electrification Mini-Grid) – Haiti Project is critical to the Haitian Programme of Access to Solar Energy for Rural Communities.
“ It involves the operationalization of previously constructed energy mini-grids designed to function independently of the main grid. Key activities include expanding the low-voltage distribution network, connecting customers, procuring a competent operator, implementing a viable business model, and integrating a Gender Policy and Action Plan for the Energy Sector in Haiti,” the CDB said.
It said that currently, only 40 percent of Haiti’s 10.7 million inhabitants have access to electricity, and just 10 percent of the rural population has reliable energy sources.
The region’s premier financial institution said this initiative marks a significant step towards achieving the Haitian government’s long-term goal of providing reliable, modern, and affordable energy to all its citizens by 2030.
The project builds on the Rural Electrification and Women’s Empowerment initiative, which was jointly executed by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial contributions from the governments of Japan and UNDP.
CDB said its investment accounts for 43 percent of the total project cost of US$11.73 million, with the Haitian government providing the remaining US$6.73 million.
CDB’s sustainable energy specialist, Mrs. Charmaine Gill-Evans, said this effort is in keeping with the Bank’s mandate to promote a just energy transition in the Caribbean and represents a significant advancement in addressing the energy needs of Haiti’s underserved rural areas.
“This initiative is critical and timely, given the importance of electricity in improving lives and livelihoods. It is well-positioned to benefit rural populations, supports CDB’s mission to provide affordable, clean, sustainable, reliable, and renewable energy to our client countries, and contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable development and climate resilience in the region,” said Mrs. Gill-Evans.
Previously, CDB provided grant funding for initiatives in Haiti, which included training on developing Geospatial Information System maps and creating mini-grid specifications for integration into future Requests for Proposals.
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