Most islands in the Caribbean are hampered by high electricity tariffs, overt dependence on imported diesel, and vulnerable power systems given impact of recent storms and climate change (Hurricane Maria damaged about 98 percent of the power transmission and distribution (T&D) network in Dominica). In such an environment, using indigenous resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal can help improve energy affordability and secure energy independence. Moreover, careful planning of future generation and T&D systems can help make these small islands developing states (SIDS) more resilient to the potentially devastating impacts of extreme weather events such as hurricanes. Without timely action, the energy sector in many SIDS remains extremely vulnerable. This presentation will discuss and brainstorm solutions to this challenge.
About the speaker:
Rahul Srinivasan graduated with a Master’s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2017 and subsequently joined the World Bank in Washington DC. He is an experienced energy professional.
At the World Bank, Rahul works on energy access, energy resilience, and renewable energy in Africa and the Latin America and Caribbean region. He is the Lead for Lighting Africa's program on solar electrification of public institutions such as schools and health centers and is also responsible for various renewable energy projects in the Caribbean. Passionate about energy development, Rahul hopes to leverage his education and experience to work with government and/or private sector stakeholders towards driving sustainable energy infrastructure in developing countries.
At Harvard, Rahul served as a Teaching Fellow on Energy and Environment and has also delivered guest lectures in various institutions including the Iceland School of Energy. Prior to the World Bank, Rahul advised various multinational clients on development, operations, and regulatory compliance of renewable and natural gas energy assets. He has also led political advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill for US-India natural gas and nuclear trade.
