James Ellsmoor

Do islands hold the key to the future of energy? James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation, sits down with Energy.Media to discuss how islands around the world are making breakthroughs in energy and how we can use them as inspiration for utilities back on the mainland. 

• Island Innovation is a virtual network connecting islands across the globe, allowing them to share and access information on sustainable development. According to James, energy is the most fundamental issue facing all island communities, which are home to the world’s highest rates of electricity. For example, the cost of electricity throughout the Caribbean is three to six times higher than neighboring Florida. 
• Upwards of 20-30% of all GDP in the Caribbean is spent on importing fuels for electricity production. High electricity costs act as a barrier to development on islands, since other sectors of the economy depend heavily on electricity to be successful. By switching to renewable energy sources, islands not only reduce the cost of electricity, but can further other parts of their economy – from manufacturing to tourism and beyond.
• The key to energy success on islands is diversification and decentralization. Distributed renewable energy sources increase resiliency in the face of storms and make islands more energy independent. As renewables become cheaper and more accessible, models of use on islands may act as an indicator for what will work on the mainland.