In order to develop geothermal power, abundant underground heat and steam is required, which is not that easy to find. At the same time, large investments are needed in assessing the resource, conducting exploratory drilling, constructing geothermal plants, and building transmission lines. Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), like those in the Eastern Caribbean, have the … [Read more...] about Developing Geothermal Power in Small Islands Developing States
Christiaan Gischler
Christiaan Gischler, Lead Energy Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Mr. Gischler is the focal point for sustainable energy within the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with over 15 years of experience in the energy and environmental sector in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC). Currently, he is leading several initiatives in renewable energy including geothermal power, energy efficiency, bioenergy and climate change mitigation. Mr. Gischler is actively working and promoting sustainable energy projects and programs throughout LAC. Mr. Gischler has developed several co-financing instruments with several donors using climate financing such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and more recently with the Green Climate fund (GCF) in climate change mitigation, for energy projects in the LAC. He is the practice leader for Geothermal Power and for the Caribbean region in the IDB Energy Division. Mr. Gischler has designed, developed and executed projects and financial initiatives for over US$ 3.7 billion promoting sustainable energy in LAC. He has also participated in several conferences, promoting sustainable energy as well as policy & regulation to promote renewable energies, energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions. Prior to joining the IDB, Mr. Gischler worked for National Commission for Environment in Chile and for the private sector in air pollution control equipment, reuse of waste and energy efficiency. He has taught courses in environmental engineering in Chile and Sweden. Mr. Gischler holds two Engineering degrees in chemical engineering and biotechnological engineering from the University of Chile and a Masters in Science degree in environmental engineering and sustainable infrastructure from the Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden.
An Example of Climate and Energy Resilience for the Caribbean
On my recent trip to Bermuda in November 2017, invited by the government of Bermuda to participate in the Bermuda Energy Summit 2017, I was able to experience first-hand how that island has adapted to withstand the frequent storms, hurricanes and droughts throughout many decades. First, as you can see from the photo below, there are no cables; 100% of the transmission cables … [Read more...] about An Example of Climate and Energy Resilience for the Caribbean