Page 38 - “GREENING” THE CONTENT IN CXC® SYLLABUSES

E-LEARNING MODULES AND LEARNING GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

2.2: Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies

Objective 2: Discuss the need for renewable energy, with specific
reference to the Caribbean.

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Energy is necessary for a country’s economic growth

and social/human development and required by
many services provided as lighting, cooling, and heating.

Most countries depend on fossil fuels to meet their

energy demand. However, the overdependence on fossil

fuels use is adversely affecting many countries
(including the Caribbean Region) due to the high cost of

fossil fuels imports, lack of energy security, economic competitiveness, and growth, impacts on

balance-of-payments and foreign exchange, social development, and climate change issues.

Fossil Fuels are Limited and Costly to Import

Many countries are dependent on fossil fuel (coal, oil, and gas) to generate electricity for such
services. The Caribbean is no different from the rest of the world and depends heavily on high

cost imported fossil fuels into the region to meet its energy demand. Fossil fuels are finite and

are non-renewable and place a heavy burden on some countries balance of payments and foreign

exchange reserves. High Import costs have also affected the cost of production for manufacturing
companies. The electric utility companies are also affected by high import costs of fossil fuels

which cause high tariffs. A shift towards renewable energy use, should therefore reduce the

dependence on imported fossil fuels and provide an alternative source of energy that can be used

within various sectors. Also, renewable energy resources are unlimited because supplies are
continually replenished through natural processes.

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