Summary Report 

Regional Workshop on

Metrology and Technology Challenges of

Renewable Energy and Climate Science (RECS)

April 14-15, 2015

Kingston, Jamaica

a) Workshop Objectives:

Objectives of the OAS-NIST Workshops organized for each sub-region of SIM (Inter-American 

Metrology System) are to:

1) Assess technology, measurements, and standards needs and existing capabilities of regions and 

States of the Americas, and increase awareness of Government agencies interested in technology 

infrastructure;

2) Promote regional and international partnerships to share approaches and best practices for 

expanded utilization of renewable energy, measurement of GHGs and air pollutants, and efficient 

energy use and distribution systems; 

3) Identify measurements and standards training needs to accelerate deployment of renewable 

energy technologies while minimizing their impact on our climate. These will be based on 

priorities developed by SIM members and could be provided through regional workshops and/or 

via collaborative research between the NMIs.

At the end of each workshop, an action plan is developed to further training and regional 

collaboration activities.

b) General Observations:

1. The Renewable Energy and Climate Science Workshop was held in Kingston, Jamaica on April 14-

15, 2015. The Workshop was well organized, and well attended, with participation from 16 of 

the CARIMET Countries. High quality speakers from eleven countries included policy makers and 

technical experts. BSJ staff and contractors provided excellent logistical support, and their 

gracious hospitality was much appreciated.

2. The Workshop Steering Committee deserves our thanks for putting together a program that was 

informative and stimulated much discussion. The program allowed ample time for Q&A’s and 

discussion which was critical for success. Unlike previous workshops, the program attempted to 

cover all four topics of interest (Renewable Energy, Building Energy Efficiency, Smart Grids, and 

GHG/Air Quality Measurements) which presented a challenge; given the diversity of the 

economies and needs of the Caribbean islands, this turned out to be justified.
3. Participation of the U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Mr. Luis Moreno, in the Plenary Session 

highlighted the importance U.S. places on Renewable Energy and Climate Science issues; he 

further emphasized these concerns as articulated by President Obama during his recent visit to 

Jamaica.

4. Participation of the OAS Representative to Jamaica, Ms. Jeanelle Van Glaanenweygel, in the 

Plenary Session also emphasized the importance OAS places on RECS activities.

5. Participation by most of the countries of the CARIMET Region was critical for the success of the 

workshop. About one hundred attendees participated in the workshop, representing 

government policy makers, the NMIs, other research organizations, and universities. 

Participation from metrology as well as meteorology communities enriched the discussion and 

encouraged future collaborations. 

6. Presentations on current programs related to RECS provided clear indication that these topics 

are of critical importance for the region; however, the size of their economies, the natural 

resources and the needs of each country are quite different, and therefore their emphasis is at 

times on different concerns and technologies.

7. CARIMET NMIs have, in general, limited metrology capabilities. Especially Climate Science 

related activities present new challenges for most of the NMIs, since they require chemical 

metrology expertise. Collaborations, joint activities and additional training will be of benefit for 

most of the NMIs. 

8. Three Panel Discussions helped focus us all on common experiences, issues and needs, and 

promoted development of a joint action plan for the CARIMET Region.

c) Summary of Presentations:

Professor Winston Davidson, Chairman of the Standards Council of Jamaica, mentioned in his 

opening remarks “particular importance of climate change for Jamaica”, the fact that it is highly 

susceptible to the impact of hurricanes, it is a relatively small island, with “very little environmental 

reserve” and no energy resources. He stressed the need for “harmonious adaptation” with increased 

emphasis on renewable energy resources.

Omar Alcock, Senior Economist from Jamaica’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining,

presented a thoughtful summary of Jamaica’s national policy initiatives on Renewable Energy, 

Biofuels, Energy from Waste, Trading of Carbon Credits, and Energy Conservation and Efficiency. 

These are highly important for Jamaica’s economy, since petroleum imports account for 90% of their 

energy needs. Their plans call for increasing renewable energy contribution to 20% of their energy 

mix, and 30% of electricity generation, by 2030. Wind, hydro, solar and bio-energy sources are 

expected to play an increasing role in the coming years.
The presentation by Mary-Rose Narayane, from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs of Trinidad 

and Tobago, highlighted the contrasts present in the Caribbean. Like many other islands, they have 

a relatively small economy, are geographically isolated, vulnerable to climate change, with limited 

resources. But Trinidad and Tobago is a major petroleum producer just off the coast of Venezuela, 

with low energy prices and few incentives to promote use of renewable energy resources. In spite 

of that, the T&T Government is developing policies in support of renewable energy. T&T is a 

signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, and they are determined to improve their energy security and 

improve economic diversity, by expanding use of wind and solar energy, implementing “Feed-inTariff” (FIT) policies, promoting RE grid integration, and improving energy efficiency, which 

represents a big potential. Policies regarding GHG Measurements, reducing sulfur and vanadium in 

diesel fuels are expected soon.

Renewable Energy:

Lewis Peña, from INDOCAL, DR, presented a more balanced situation for the Dominican Republic, 

where significant progress has been made in reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. Close to 100 

MW of power is currently being generated using renewable resources (wind, solar and biogas), and 

new construction is underway to further expand their capacity by another 300 MW. DR National 

Energy Efficiency Policy is also promoting higher efficiency light bulbs, energy labelling systems, and 

“green buildings”. Education of the population on energy efficiency issues is also a critical part of 

their policy.

The next two presentations on implementation of renewable energy programs in Antigua & Barbuda 

(Daryl Jackson), and Grenada (Jusceno Jacob) highlighted the conflicts encountered between energy 

policy objectives, incentives and constraints, either as a result of regulations or pushback by utility 

companies (“Energy Policy Conundrum”). Both speakers emphasized the importance of establishing 

the right incentives and policies to promote use of renewable energy resources. “The 

Interconnection Challenge” is an issue that needs to be addressed, and decisions regarding “Net 

Metering” vs “Net Billing” approaches have to be made taking into account the benefits to the public 

as well as the costs and responsibilities put on “the grid” and the utility companies. In several islands, 

PV systems are not allowed to be connected to the grid by law.

The final presentation of the morning session was made by Earl Green of the Latin American Energy 

Organization (OLADE) that promotes regional and sub-regional energy integration. An excellent 

overview was presented on the projected global growth in energy demand, as a result of the 

expected population growth from the current 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050, and the economic 

transformation of rapidly growing economies, most of them in Africa. IEA projects a 50% growth in 

world energy consumption by 2030, with developing nations creating 75% of the increased demand. 

Climate change implications of such growth would be catastrophic, without commensurate 

improvements in energy efficiency and RE implementation. The World Bank predicts “catastrophic 

consequences” if the temperature rise reaches 4o C, with island nations with the least amount of 

resilience. The corresponding lack of water resources may also be the major cause of future wars. 

However, he was optimistic about the opportunities for sustainable energy options in the Caribbean 

countries, especially for wind, solar and bio energy; the main barriers may be lack of technical 
capabilities, standards and specifications, and monitoring and verification capabilities, in addition to 

lack of capital. 

Energy Efficiency in Building Systems

David Yashar, from NIST, USA, presented an overview of NIST Programs on “Energy and the Built 

Environment”. NIST has built a “Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility” (NZERTF) as a test bed to 

study the performance of building components and systems under “real world” conditions. NZERTF 

is a 2700 ft2 modern house, with extensive instrumentation and control systems, where competing 

technologies can be evaluated and compared under realistic conditions. It includes a solar thermal 

water heating system, PV solar panels, 3 HVAC system options, 3 Ground Source Heat Pump Loops, 

and a Heat Recovery System. Presence of occupants (a family of four) is simulated via sensible heat 

generation, water usage, electrical loads, and appliance use. During 2014, the facility was operated 

with zero net energy usage over a one-year period. Research activities provide improved knowledge 

base for green-building standards, and performance of building components. NIST welcomes visitors 

to the facility during scheduled down-times.

Erwin Edwards, from Atom Solutions Inc, Barbados, discussed Renewable Energy (RE) activities in 

Barbados; these are driven by high dependence on imported fossil fuels, increasing energy 

consumption, increasing costs, and concerns about climate change. RE industry is quite active on 

the island; they are pushing to increase RE implementation, promote energy conservation and 

improved energy efficiency, and ways to adapt to climate change. Their main focus is on 

development of Energy Performance Indicators (EPIs), metrics that would enable recognition of 

success, and monitoring and evaluation methods.

Anna Maria Carreño, from CLASP, USA, presented a summary of Labelling Programs for Energy 

Efficient Appliances, a topic that has been discussed in several of these workshops. She reviewed 

several national and regional approaches for implementation of Standards and Labelling (S&L) 

programs, and the associated testing programs, which are currently being used by some 60 

economies, including developed as well as developing countries. CLASP has extensive experience in 

this field, and has programs in the Americas, and can be instrumental in training and implementation 

of such activities.

John Telesford, from Marrisow Community College in Grenada, discussed energy efficiency of AC and 

Refrigeration Systems, widely utilized in Caribbean countries, and their impact on climate. Also 

articulated methodologies developed to quantify the Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) of 

such AC&R Systems, and to include Life Cycle considerations, in selection of more efficient systems.

The last presentation of the day was by Ruth Potopsingh, from the University of Technology in 

Jamaica, who discussed workforce issues associated with capacity building in Renewable Energy and 

Energy Efficiency technologies. She emphasized that most of the workers employed by RE & EE 

industries are trained on the job (45% of Jamaican workforce is female). They need shared training 

resources both among the Caribbean islands, and among public and private sector employers. 

Sustainable Energy education is of critical importance for the future of the region.
At the end of the day, a Panel Discussion was held to promote further discussion and sharing of ideas 

among workshop participants.

Renewable Energy and Smart Grids

Opening presentation of the session was provided by David Wolmann, from NIST, U.S., on “Smart 

Grid as an Infrastructure Platform”. He provided a brief history of NIST involvement in Smart Grid 

activities in the U.S. and the public/private partnerships already implemented to develop the 

national infrastructure; in fact, the system has already progressed from Grid 1.0 (Legacy Grid) to Grid 

2.0 (Smart Grid), and now working on implementation of Grid 3.0 (Future Grid). There are many 

driving forces for this rapid progress, which include adoption of renewable energy technologies 

(especially since PV systems costs are dropping fast), national policies and incentives, efforts to 

enhance energy efficiency of systems, development of energy storage systems, adoption of electric 

vehicles, development of utility-scale wind farms, Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) adopted by 

many jurisdictions, and GHG emission targets. Wide use of the internet has enabled rapid adoption 

of Smart Grid technologies, and extension of these technologies to Microgrids. High electricity costs, 

significant dependence on oil imports, and climate change resilience issues is driving Caribbean 

countries toward higher usage of RE; many islands are also adopting RPS (for example Virgin Islands, 

Bonaire, etc). These developments make Smart Grid and Microgrids an important infrastructure for 

the future of Caribbean countries, provided timely plans can be developed for integration of physical 

and cyber systems. NIST can facilitate participation of CARIMET nations in the international 

standards activities.

Orlando Olmberg, from Guguplex Technologies in Suriname, highlighted some of the challenges 

faced by countries where 80-85% of the people live along coastal urban areas that account for 15% 

of the land; remaining highly rural areas that account for 85% of their territory is very sparsely 

populated where only 15-20% of the population lives. As a result, only about half of those villages 

have access to electricity. A 180 MW hydro power generator was built to supply an aluminum 

smelter plant; that plant is now closed, and the power now goes to the grid. Two other hydro power 

projects are under construction which will more than double their power generation capacity, They 

also have other RE initiatives, including ethanol and biomass energy projects, and large and small PV 

solar projects. Microgrid systems are being implemented to interconnect RE systems with the grid. 

Lack of government policies and capital are hampering progress. Regional cooperation with 

neighboring countries would benefit their rate of progress.

The presentation by Ricardo Case, of the Jamaica Public Service Co., illustrated the fact that, at least 

in some Caribbean countries, the utilities are prepared to meet the challenges presented by rapid 

deployment of Variable Renewable Resources (VRR). Their assessment is that, in most large scale 

grids systems, VRR of less than 10% of peak capacity will have little impact on system operations; 

however, larger shares will present challenges for system operators. Jamaica’s current RE capacity 

is 7.5% of total (900 MW), but it is projected to increase to 17% by 2030. System flexibility, both on 

the generation and consumption side, is a key to success along with Smart Grid solutions. Intelligent 
management of demand-side, delivery-side and market modulation (via price incentives) can be 

utilized to meet these challenges.

Kenroy Questelles, from St. Vincent and Grenadines, described the unusual challenges SVG faces 

with an economy that is totally dependent on imported fossil fuels for electricity production, has a 

population of about 100,000 located on some thirty islands. They have 9 generating plants (3 of 

them hydro) on 4 islands; as expected, the cost of electricity is quite high. But, SVG has a thrust 

toward expanded use of RE technologies in the country; many of these are small systems, some 

micro-hydro systems, some solar, wind, and geothermal systems, and a new 370 KW PV field. They 

are also switching from “Net Metering” to “Feed-in Tariff” and “Net Billing” systems. Their 

vulnerability to climate events was again stressed when 12 lives were lost during a storm on 2013 

Christmas eve. 

The next two presentations were on renewable energy efforts in Belize, which has its own, and 

different, challenges since it is not an island economy. Glenford Eiley, from GSR Energy Ltd of Belize, 

described one of their efforts to diversify their energy production. Currently Belize depends on 

Mexico for 75% of its electricity production. This is the first time, since their independence from 

Britain in 1981, that they have reclaimed the rights to their sugarcane crop. Their 2012 National 

Energy Policy has established preference for RE from sugarcane Bagasse Cogen and hydroelectric 

power generation systems. They have also decided to use E-10 and Bio-Diesel for transportation 

systems, which will also significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Their Ethanol production cost 

are also significantly lower than Brazil ($0.70 vs $1.35 per gallon). The biorefinery being built by GSR 

is under construction, which will provide social and economic benefits.

Rueben Chow, from CE-CAM Energy Ltd, of Belize, briefly described a new undertaking to build a 

Tech Center in Belize for design, engineering, and construction of Solar PV Power Plants. They have 

experience in the field; they had already built a 7.5 MW Solar PV Power Plant in southern California. 

The new facility in Belize City will operate in the regional space for the Caribbean, Central America, 

and Mexico. Their staff from the U.S. will train local workforce for specialized services. They expect 

to break ground in about 6-9 months, and be operational in 18-24 months. Their plan is to build 1 

MW plants over a 5 acre area. 

GHG and Air Quality Monitoring:

James Whetstone, from NIST, U.S., presented a summary of NIST Programs on Renewable Energy 

and Climate Science. He briefly discussed the international climate policy drivers, implications of the 

Bali Action Plan, and the concepts of Measureable, Reportable, and Verifiable (MRV) GHG 

Inventories, and their implications for measurement standards provided by NMIs. GHG Emission 

Reduction Targets established by the U.S. and by many other countries were discussed; to 

demonstrate progress towards and realization of such targets will require high accuracy 

measurements (quantification at the 1-5% of the target level using internationally recognized 

methodologies). Objective of NIST programs is to develop measurement tools and standards to 

achieve such measurement accuracies. New approaches for accurate measurement of emissions 

from power plants, and validation of such measurements were presented. GHG Measurements 

carried out as part of recent undertakings in Indianapolis (INFLUX) and Los Angeles (LA Megacity 
Project) were discussed. Similar undertakings are being contemplated for South America (São Paulo) 

and in Asia to develop the Framework for Verifying GHG Measurements in Urban Environments.

Jody Ann Marston, from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) of Jamaica, discussed 

Air Quality Measurements performed in Jamaica, as part of Jamaica’s Air Quality Monitoring Program 

(JAQMP). Jamaica developed ambient air quality standards in 1996. Air quality regulations were 

promulgated in 2006, requiring major facilities to be licensed. NEPA has developed strategies to 

monitor compliance by large facilities. Their goal is to control emission of criteria pollutants, GHGs,

and other priority pollutants. Their overarching goal is to monitor ambient air quality, develop air 

dispersion modelling capabilities, limit sulfur content of fuels used by licensees, and perform 

emission monitoring. They have established 62 monitoring sites. Continuous and daily monitoring 

of TSP, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3 is performed. Most of the monitoring sites are near bauxite plants. 

Current legal framework excludes mobile sources and minor sources; resource limitations are 

hampering some of their work.. There are new initiatives to expand measurements to motor vehicles 

and PM2.5 measurements.

Donnie Boodlal , from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, gave a frank and informative review of 

T&T petrochemical industry operations. T&T is the world’s largest ammonia exporter, and the 

seventh largest methanol producer. Energy related operations account for more than 50% of the 

GDP. Other major industries include iron, steel and cement plants, which are also energy intensive 

operations. 80% of T&T’s GHG emissions come from petrochemical and power sectors. Emissions 

per capita are ranked # 2 in the world, only after Qatar. T&T is trying to implement some “low 

hanging” mitigation efforts, such as use of CNG, Enhanced Oil Recovery, and Energy Efficiency 

improvements, which represent a significant potential for the country.

Odessa Shako, of the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana, described their attempts to measure the 

impact of climate change on their country by long term monitoring of temperature, humidity, 

atmospheric pressure, precipitation, etc. Her presentation was primarily focused on temperature

and precipitation monitoring. Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service operates a Climate Stations 

Network that involves 20 automated weather stations across Guyana; they have added six stations 

recently. In addition, they have 9 synoptic weather stations, and numerous precipitation 

measurement stations monitored by volunteers. Measurements are made according to WMO 2010 

guidelines. The closest metrology center is located in Barbados where instruments are sent for 

calibration. The Hydrometeorological System has implemented an ISO 9001 Quality System and has 

been certified. Significant improvements in measurement accuracy remain to be implemented. It 

was also noted that they are also measuring ozone levels, and have phased out CFCs and HCFCs 

effective in 2008.

The final presentation of the workshop was made by Courtney Mark, from the T&T Electricity 

Commission, which is a state owned and sole Transmission and Distribution Utility in T&T. Their 

customers enjoy one of the lowest electricity charges (6 US Cents per kWh) in the Americas. There 

is major concern about the impact of climate change on their operations; these include extreme wind 

and rain events, extended draughts that could result in fires and resulting damage to distribution 

lines, and subsequent impact on industrial operations and the economy. Natural Gas infrastructure, 

situated offshore, is also highly vulnerable, as well as platforms that are abandoned during major 

storms. These events are also putting much pressure on water resources; to meet projected needs 
for desalination, plans are made for an additional 33 MW power generation capacity over the 2013-

2017 period. Recycled water systems may require an additional 8 MW power capacity. Accelerating 

sea level rise is another major concern, which has caused river flooding of substations. T&T National 

Climate Change Policy is now committed to reduce GHG emissions, and increasing the use of RE 

technologies, by providing suitable fiscal incentives. “Net Metering” is considered a non-starter; 

“Net Billing” is the preferred approach. They are also making a major effort to expand use of LED for 

street lighting. The island of Tobago has the potential for wind energy, which is being studied.

A Panel Discussion on GHG/Air Quality Measurements provided the opportunity for further 

discussion and identification of common areas of concerns.

Finally, a Panel Discussion was held towards development of an Action Plan for the Region. The 

participants were asked to keep the following three questions in mind during the discussions:

- Is your country prepared to meet Metrology and Technology Challenges presented by 

Renewable Energy and Climate Science policies?

- Does your NMI have the necessary metrology and technology capabilities to meet these 

challenges?

- What type of assistance would be useful for your NMI (specific areas, equipment needs, 

training needs, etc.)? Would regional cooperation be productive?

Participants generally agreed that the Workshop was highly valuable; it catalyzed interactions and 

much discussion among NMIs of different countries, among members of the metrology and 

meteorology communities, and among policy making organizations and NMIs. It also highlighted 

much of the R&D activities on Renewable Energy and Climate Science that are being carried out in 

the Caribbean, and emphasized the importance of metrological contributions to these efforts.

It was also agreed that:

- Policy makers don’t always understand the measurement and other infrastructural 

requirements to implement policies.

- Policies are not always synchronized among Ministries.

- Current energy consumption levels are not sustainable; in many cases, large fossil fuel 

imports are driving the economy.

- There is a general lack of resources; regional efforts would be much more effective for 

more efficient use of resources.

- Most of the countries in the region have only some of the metrology capabilities at hand; 

they need to develop additional tools and capabilities.

- Many Caribbean countries are reporting on their GHG emission inventories, but they are 

not mandatory; quality of this data is questionable at best.

- Carbon footprint issues are closely coupled to international competitiveness.

- Most of the Caribbean countries would benefit from public awareness efforts.

- Germany is supporting some energy efficiency efforts in Eastern Caribbean; some 

infrastructure is in place; need complementary efforts.

- Increasing use of small PV systems creating conflicting policies regarding connectivity to 

the grid; in some countries, government policies are discouraging connectivity to the 

grid..
- Solar panel market is dominated by China, but capabilities for quality control of imported 

panels is still needed. Local capabilities have to be developed.

- Much more work is needed for implementation of Smart Grid.

- Training in implementation of building energy efficiency systems would be valuable.

d) Action Items under Consideration:

There were many, in some cases disparate, needs were identified. Highest priority action items 

identified during this Panel Discussion, as well as during the earlier discussions, are summarized 

below: 

1. Hold a Workshop on GHG measurements to develop a regional plan (perhaps for all of Latin 

America) to develop GHG instrument calibration capabilities and initiate joint efforts to 

develop CRMs that could be shared regionally. (Items 1 and 2 may be combined)

2. Develop training opportunities for measurement of emissions from fixed and mobile sources 

(e.g., automotive vehicle emissions); this is an area of interest for CAMET, SURAMET and 

ANDIMET countries as well.

3. Develop training opportunities for Energy Efficiency labelling for appliance (e.g., 

refrigerators), lighting, solar panels, and building energy systems to establish ratings (e.g., 

LEED ratings). CLASP offered to follow up on this item.

4. Develop opportunities for discussion of various RE Policies, such as time-of-use tariffs, net 

metering, net billing, etc.; and discussion of potential response (including “Dynamic 

Response”) utilizing Smart Grid systems. Participation in upcoming international conferences 

in Orlando, FL and New Orleans, LA was encouraged. NIST will facilitate participation of 

Caribbean countries in SG standards organizations.

5. Provide training opportunities for implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Systems; NIST 

will provide training opportunities in NZERTF. 

6. Organize Regional Human Resource Training activities to meet HR needs of RE technologies.

7. Promote enhanced collaboration among NMIs of CARIMET.

A complete agenda and copies of all presentations can be found at the following website:

http://www.nist.gov/iaao/upload/CARIMETWorkshop.pdf ???

2/25/2016