With a particular focus on electric mobility, the Sustainable Transportation Programme aims to support CARICOM Member States in their transition toward a modern, sustainable, efficient, and affordable transportation system. The programme addresses the three main disruptors of a transitioning transportation sector, namely electrification, connectivity through digitalisation, and transport demand management, to support a stronger integration of the sustainable energy, climate and transportation sectors.
The transport sector is a significant contributor to economic development and is increasingly linked with the energy sector, which has prompted an era of disruption ignited by emerging transport technologies and changing stakeholder requirements. Across CARICOM Member States, the current value of fuel imports accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, and 30% of total fuel consumed in the community is attributed to the transport sector, making it a prime area of intervention to reduce fuel import dependency, promoting the diversification of energy supply, improving the efficiency and comfort of transportation, as well as to mitigating GHG emissions and improving the quality of life of the Caribbean people.
The regional Sustainable Transport Programme therefore comprises a number of priority interventions to improve transportation efficiency and sustainability in the Caribbean. Starting from enhancing the regional knowledge base through data collection and intelligence, targeted knowledge products and capacity building initiatives such as trainings on EV technology and safety, the programme will also support the development of specific transport projects through the Project Preparation Facility (PPF).
Furthermore, the CCREEE was integral in advancing the implementation of the Regional Electric Vehicle Strategy and sustainable transportation projects. The effects of stronger electric vehicle (EV) deployment in national economies and the interactions between electric vehicles and the electricity grid will be investigated, and also considered in Integrated Resources and Resilience Planning (IRRP) processes. A suite of awareness-raising and communication initiatives will enhance the region’s understanding of sustainable transportation options, educate about existing technologies and opportunities, which will be accompanied by the creation of a practitioner’s network in the region.