The issues of energy dependence of Central American and Caribbean states.

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the energy dependence issue of Central American and Caribbean States. On the basis of statistical and analytical data the authors try to find peculiarities and specific nature of the development of energy sector of the studied countries, to analyze positive and negative trends and to define prospects of making the states more independent in energy sector. Particular attention is paid to the issues of energy security and their solution. The authors also scrutinize the problem of poor access to electricity among the citizens of researched countries. The work analyzes the level of region’s dependence on oil, oil products, natural gas and coal import. In addition, the main sources of providing traditional fossil fuels to the countries of the region are identified. There has been an attempt to divide the countries into risk groups according to the level of hydrocarbon import dependence. The article also examines implementing common projects considering the increase of the level of energy independence and safety within integration associations. The authors particularly make evaluation of the project for integrating the electric networks of the Central American States and the implementation of Mercado Electrico Regional, which contributed to strengthening of electric power system stability in the region. Joint policies of the Caribbean States in energy scene are given consideration as well. Furthermore, the Renewable Energy Development Programme of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is studied. The authors evaluate the effectiveness of the programme implementation in the context of current status of the energy sector in the Caribbean States. Besides, the article considers the activity of some global international institutions in the energy sector of the researched countries. For instance, the projects of The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and The World Bank are examined.