The Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and the VI Energy Office (VIEO) invite the public to the second Annual VI Energy and Sustainability Fair at the Orville E. Kean Campus’ Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas on Saturday, Oct. 28. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Themed “Accelerating Resilience,” the fair will focus on educating the public, giving them the opportunity to meet with various professionals and experts about solar energy, water security, composting and sustainability that can help them learn how to make their homes more resilient.
“The future is more unpredictable than ever before, both in terms of our climate and global politics,” said Greg Guannel, director of CGTC. “We need to make sure that our homes are able to resist or adapt to any changes in our ability to get power, water, or live more sustainably. This event will provide all the information that we need to start making smart investments and choices to be in a better position for the future.”
The Energy Fair will connect the public to products and services that will help them increase their resilience and make it possible to live a more secure life. Live demonstrations will showcase electric vehicles and solar power, composting, and many other technologies and approaches available to USVI residents. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to hear great new ideas about the future of energy technology and policy from students from the Caribbean and around the world, who will showcase their latest research and breakthroughs.
“Graduate students from Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, and many other parts of the world will attend the fair to share their research dedicated to understanding the challenges connected with energy transition for island communities, but also learn about the needs of the local community at the fair,” said Jonisha Aubain, UVI Graduate and PhD student at UMass Amherst .
Attendees will also hear from distinguished guests and presenters including Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. “There are many good things happening in the USVI right now to strengthen our energy position and make the territory strong, from an energy standpoint,” said Director Kyle Flemming, of the VI Energy Office, “This Fair will be the opportunity to show all the good work that we’re doing to help Virgin Islanders be more energy secure and for our islands to be more resilient.”
This event is supported by the University of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Energy Office, Freepoint Commodities, WAPA, ProSolar Systems, Seven Seas, Energy Factory and Luminaid.
Those who cannot attend the fair on St. Thomas will have the opportunity again in Spring 2024 on St. Croix.
To learn more about the Energy Fair and how to become involved as a vendor, exhibitor, sponsor, workshop instructor or volunteer, please contact the Caribbean Green Technology Center at cgtc@uvi.edu.