CCREEE Welcomes Charlin Bodley as Chief Technical Advisor for SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 Project

Bridgetown, Barbados – August 2025 – The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Charlin Bodley as Chief Technical Advisor for the SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 Project: Achieving a Rapid Decarbonisation of the Energy Sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Charlin rejoins the CCREEE team to lead an ambitious national energy transformation initiative in the Caribbean region.

What is SKN100 UNEP/GEF7?

The SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 project, officially titled “Achieving a Rapid Decarbonization of the Energy Sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis”, is a USD 14.4 million initiative financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by CCREEE. The project aims to transition the Federation’s electricity generation to 100% renewable sources and achieve 100% high energy efficiency in public buildings by 2030.

Structured for delivery over a three-year implementation window, the SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 project introduces cutting-edge innovations to decarbonize the power sector. At its core is the Integrated Utility Services (IUS) model—a utility-led, customer-centric financing mechanism that enables public and private consumers to access distributed renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient appliances, and energy management systems, with repayments made via utility bills. This pilot programme will be implemented in collaboration with the national utilities: SKELEC in Saint Kitts and NEVLEC in Nevis.

In addition to technological interventions, the project also supports a comprehensive enabling environment through policy and regulatory reform, capacity building, infrastructure retrofitting, and knowledge exchange. The overarching objective is to deliver a scalable model of energy transition for small island developing states (SIDS) while enhancing energy security, affordability, and climate resilience.

Why is SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 Important?

Small island developing states like Saint Kitts and Nevis face the dual challenge of high fossil fuel dependence and disproportionate exposure to climate-related stocks such as hurricanes and sea level rise. The SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 project is a direct response to this vulnerability and seeks to redefine the national energy landscape while positioning the Federation as a leader in Caribbean clean energy transformation.

By reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 is set to enhance the country’s energy security, stabilize electricity prices, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings. The project directly supports Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of reducing emissions by 61% by 2030 and aligns with the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), a vision for long-term sustainability, economic diversification, and climate resilience.

Beyond environmental gains, SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 is expected to unlock new economic opportunities by fostering the development of the sustainable energy sector, encouraging private sector participation, and facilitating workforce development across technical, policy, and operational domains.

Welcoming a Proven Leader: Charlin Bodley

Charlin Bodley is no stranger to the CCREEE family. As one of the Centre’s original team members, she played a pivotal role in operationalizing the institution and spearheaded the establishment of its flagship Project Preparation Facility (PPF). Under her leadership, the PPF supported bankable energy projects across the Caribbean, advanced sustainable transport strategies, and initiated groundbreaking gender mainstreaming programmes in the energy sector.

Charlin’s return to CCREEE comes at a crucial juncture in the execution of SKN100 UNEP/GEF7. In her new role as Chief Technical Advisor, she will provide high-level technical oversight, drive strategic implementation, and coordinate the delivery of project outputs in collaboration with government ministries, utilities, private sector stakeholders, and international partners. Her mandate includes overseeing the rollout of IUS pilots, guiding regulatory reforms, supervising procurement and contracting, and ensuring adherence to results-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

“We are thrilled to have Charlin back at CCREEE in this critical role,” said Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes, CCREEE. “Charlin brings unmatched expertise, regional experience, and global perspective to the position. Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 project delivers on its transformative promise.”

A Career Rooted in Impact

Charlin brings over 15 years of experience in energy policy, project management, and sustainable development. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of the Energy Innovation Portfolio at the Bezos Earth Fund, where she provided strategic and technical leadership for global clean energy initiatives. Prior to that, she led the Global Energy Transition Academy at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), developing capacity-building programmes for utility professionals, policymakers, and energy leaders across the Global South.

Earlier in her career, Charlin served as an Energy Officer with the Government of Saint Lucia, managing renewable energy projects, advising on policy, and leading national consultations on geothermal energy. Her consistent focus on inclusive energy transition has earned her recognition as a thought leader, keynote speaker, and advocate for gender equity in the energy sector.

She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and IPMA Level C Project Manager, with a strong record in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder, donor-funded projects on schedule and within budget. Her combination of technical skill, strategic foresight, and people leadership make her ideally positioned to steer SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 through successful implementation.

A Full-Circle Moment

Charlin’s return to CCREEE is more than a new appointment, it is a full-circle moment that brings global experience back to serve regional execution. Her appointment affirms CCREEE’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and transformational leadership in driving the Caribbean’s clean energy transition. According to Dr. Mohammad Nagdee, Executive Director, CCREEE “At CCREEE, we believe that transformational outcomes start with exceptional people. Building strong, purpose-driven teams is central to our mission and welcoming Charlin back is a testament to that commitment. Her leadership strengthens our collective ability to deliver real impact across the region.”

The SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 project is not only a national priority for Saint Kitts and Nevis; it is a model of ambition, innovation, and collaboration for the Caribbean and beyond. With Charlin Bodley as Chief Technical Advisor, the project is set on a course for success, one that will leave a legacy of resilience, sustainability, and leadership.

For more information on the SKN100 UNEP/GEF7 Project or CCREEE’s sustainable energy initiatives, please visit www.ccreee.org.

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