Integration of CCREEE in the Caribbean energy decision-making process
The institutional design of the CCREEE was developed based on a needs assessment and the stakeholder consultations undertaken during the preparatory phase. The Centre operates within the decision and policy framework of CARICOM and enjoys full autonomy; operating according to its own administrative and financial rules and procedures. The day-to-day management and decision making authority is delegated to the Executive Director (e.g. procurement, signing of contracts, recruitment) and the Executive Board.
The following institutional structure of the Centre was included in the signed CCREEE project document:
The governance structure is one in which the Centre works closely with the Energy Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat but reports to a Council of Energy Ministers. CCREEE matters are discussed in conjunction with meetings of the CARICOM Council of Economic Development (COTED) on Energy. The Council shall, on the basis of recommendations of the Executive Board, provide overall strategic policy guidance. It also evaluates the performance of the Centre and appoints the Executive Director of the Centre.
The Executive Board provides oversight for the Centre, which includes the review and approval of annual work plans and budgets, progress reports and financial statements. The Board provides recommendations to the Council.
The Board consist of representatives of CARICOM Member States and Institutions of CARICOM, as well as core development partners (e.g. UNIDO, ADA). These development partners contribute to the organisational and technical budget of the centre. Executive Board Members rotate occasionally.
The Executive Board is supported by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which will constitute technical experts from major regional institutions and the international development partners (also non-core partners). The advisory committee will provide recommendations to the Board on technical documents provided by the Centre (e.g. work plans, project documents).
The CCREEE is positioning itself as a regional renewable energy and energy efficiency promotion agency rather than an implementer on micro and grass-root levels. To maximize the local added value, the execution of specific assignments or services is in many cases delegated to national institutions and/or the private sector. Usually, the Centre performs only up to the level of programme/project development, fundraising, oversight, quality assurance as well as coordination and monitoring and evaluation of project/programme implementation.
The CCREEE is developing and executing its activities through a network of Thematic Hubs (THs) and National Focal Institutions (NFIs), which are located within respective CARICOM Member States.
Cooperation with a wide range of public/private and local/international stakeholders during implementation will maximize the local added value, north–south and south–south technology and know-how transfer to the Caribbean region. It also avoids duplication of effort and competition with already existing national energy institutions and companies. Finally, the approach maximizes the impact and visibility of the small Centre in the region.
Under the SIDS DOCK framework, the centre works closely with the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) on common SIDS sustainable energy issues and solutions.