CCREEE and IRENA Formalize Strategic Partnership

CCREEE and IRENA Formalize Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Energy Transition in Caribbean SIDS

Vienna, Austria | 9 April 2026

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have formalized a strengthened partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the margins of the International Vienna Energy & Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026, reinforcing their strategic collaboration to accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy systems across the Caribbean.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee, Executive Director of CCREEE, and Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, in the presence of Senator, The Honourable Jonathan W. D. Reid, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology of the Government of Barbados, who witnessed the signing.

This MoU establishes a renewed framework for collaboration between the two intergovernmental organizations, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy systems across Caribbean. Central to this partnership is a coordinated approach to pooled procurement and demand aggregation as a strategic mechanism to unlock economies of scale, reduce costs, and catalyse investment in support of a just energy transition

Building on a strong history of cooperation, including the 2022 tripartite agreement with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, this bilateral partnership reflects a strengthened focus on coordinated action and results driven implementation. This agreement advances collaboration across key areas, including, data and knowledge exchange, and capacity building, alongside the development of innovative mechanisms to unlock investment and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies across the Caribbean.

Strengthening Multilateral Partnerships for Impact

The MoU further highlights the critical role of partnerships between multilateral development organisations to enhance cooperation in accelerating the global energy transition, particularly in regions with shared vulnerabilities and common development priorities. By aligning institutional strengths and leveraging complementary expertise, CCREEE and IRENA aim to enhance efficiency, avoid duplication, and maximize the impact of interventions supporting Caribbean energy systems.

Through this collaboration, both organizations will work closely with governments, utilities, private sector actors, and development partners to design and implement scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This includes advancing harmonized investment plans, supporting pilot projects, and facilitating technical consultations to strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure and market readiness.

Advancing a Just and Resilient Energy Future

Speaking of the significance of the partnership, Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, stated:

" Strengthening collaboration with regional institutions such as CCREEE is essential to advancing the global energy transition in a way that reflects regional priorities and national circumstances. It marks an important step towards delivering tangible results for the Caribbean. I look forward to seeing those results translate into climate resilience and sustainable growth in the region.”

Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee, Executive Director of CCREEE, added:

"By strengthening our collaboration with IRENA and advancing innovative approaches such as the Economic Investment Platform that focuses on pooled procurement and demand aggregation, we are positioning the Caribbean to unlock financing at scale, drive down costs, and deliver sustainable resilient energy solutions for our Member States, while advancing a just and inclusive energy transition.”

The MoU provides a strategic platform to translate shared ambitions into tangible outcomes enhancing energy security, reducing costs, and building climate resilience across Caribbean nations.

As the global community intensifies efforts to meet climate targets and sustainable development goals, this partnership demonstrates the power of coordinated, multilateral action in delivering transformative changes where it is needed most.

About CCREEE

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is a regional intergovernmental organization established by the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, advance net-zero targets and support Member States in transforming their energy systems towards greater sustainability, resilience, and energy security.

About IRENA

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is the global intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, supporting countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.