The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, will attend and participate as a panelist at the 17th Annual Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF). The conference takes place from May 7-9, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
The CREF Ministerial: Diverse Pathways to Energy Transition in the Caribbean session will explore how various jurisdictions, particularly small island states like Bermuda, are navigating their energy transitions, from large-scale renewables to decentralized solutions. Discussions will cover the vision for energy transition, the impact of geopolitical and economic factors, recent achievements, upcoming milestones, regional lessons, and the role of multilateral and private sector partners in driving success.
Moderated by Mr. David Gumbs, Director of Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) Islands Energy Program, Minister Lightbourne will join other regional Ministers on May 8, to discuss energy solutions and pathways to a sustainable energy future.
The Minister will share insights on Bermuda’s integrated approach to energy reform and additionally touch on the following:
- The implementation of Bermuda’s clean energy strategies and transition planning;
- Legislative and regulatory frameworks designed to accelerate renewable integration;
- Community-driven models for sustainability, affordability, and resilience; and
- Insights on recent electrification successes;The role of equitable energy access in climate adaptation.
Minister Lightbourne said, “CREF provides an invaluable opportunity for Bermuda to contribute to and learn from regional counterparts as we advance our path toward a just energy transition, one that balances innovation with inclusion. This forum brings together Industry experts and decision-makers who are navigating similar journeys, and it fosters regional collaboration in the energy space essential to achieving resilient, equitable energy solutions.”
In addition to her attendance at CREF, Minister Lightbourne will hold meetings with key figures while in Miami, including:
- A bi-lateral meeting with UK Minister Kerry McCarthy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Climate), who is responsible for international climate and energy policy, climate finance, and the UK’s Net Zero strategy.
- David Ehrhardt, CEO of Castalia, who specialises in the regulation of infrastructure and utilities and improving policy and organisation in infrastructure sectors; and
- David Gumbs, Director of Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) Islands Energy Program, to discuss further partnerships between Bermuda and RMI.
Minister Lightbourne returns to Bermuda on May 8.