The Haitian Energy Sovereignty and Modernization Act

Preamble:
Haiti stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Our reliance on imported fossil fuels drains our national treasury, pollutes our environment, and leaves us vulnerable to global price shocks. Meanwhile, our abundant natural resources—sun, wind, and water—remain underutilized. This policy establishes a comprehensive, 15-year roadmap to achieve energy independence, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build a cleaner, more resilient Haiti for future generations. The transition will be just, orderly, and respectful of all existing legal contracts.

Part I: Core Policy Goals & Objectives

1. Transportation Electrification: Reduce and eventually eliminate the importation of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, transitioning to a national fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for public and private transport.

2. Renewable Energy Generation: Power all public infrastructure (homes, offices, street lighting) and a significant portion of private consumption with decentralized and grid-scale renewable energy, primarily solar and wind.

3. Industrial Power Base: Develop domestic hydroelectric capacity to provide stable, low-cost power for emerging industries and manufacturing.

4. Resource Sovereignty: Conduct a rigorous, transparent feasibility study to understand the potential and implications of developing our national hydrocarbon and mineral resources.

Part II: Phased Implementation Strategy

The transition will be managed in three overlapping phases to ensure stability and build momentum.

Phase 1: Foundation & Incentives (Years 0-5)

Focus: Creating the market and building infrastructure without disrupting existing systems.

1.1. Transforming the Vehicle Fleet:

• Immediate Action: Enact a gradual ban on used ICE vehicle imports, starting with vehicles older than 10 years, then reducing the allowable age by one year annually.

• Tariff Restructuring: Immediately eliminate all import tariffs and taxes on new, fully electric vehicles and electric buses. Simultaneously, introduce a progressive environmental levy on new ICE vehicles, increasing annually.

• Infrastructure Kickstart: Launch a public-private partnership (PPP) to install the first network of public EV charging stations in Port-au-Prince, Pétion-Ville, and Cap-Haïtien, focusing on strategic locations like shopping centers, public parking, and major hotels.

• Pilot Programs: Convert 20% of the government's vehicle fleet to EVs and initiate an electric bus pilot program for public transportation in the capital.

1.2. Decentralized Renewable Energy for Public Infrastructure:

• Solarizing Public Infrastructure: Issue tenders for PPPs to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage on all government buildings, schools, and hospitals. This will be funded through a mix of international green climate funds and direct investment.

• Street Lighting Modernization: Begin a nationwide project to replace all street lighting with high-efficiency solar LED lights, prioritizing high-crime and high-traffic areas to improve security and demonstrate immediate benefits.

• Net Metering Policy: Establish a "net metering" framework, allowing private homes and businesses with solar panels to sell excess electricity back to the state grid (EDH), creating a financial incentive for private investment.

1.3. Energy for Industry & Resource Assessment:

• Hydroelectric Feasibility: Commission international engineering firms, in partnership with Haitian universities, to conduct feasibility studies for at least three potential small to medium-scale hydroelectric sites, with a focus on environmental and social impact assessments.

• Oil & Mineral Pre-Study: Form a transparent, multi-stakeholder commission (including government, civil society, and international technical advisors) to design the terms of reference for the comprehensive feasibility study on oil and mineral development, ensuring it prioritizes environmental safeguards and national benefit.

Phase 2: Scaling & Integration (Years 5-10)

Focus: Expanding successes and beginning systemic integration.

• Tighten ICE Import Ban: Expand the ban to include all used ICE vehicles and significantly increase levies on new ICE imports.

• National Charging Corridor: Expand the EV charging network to connect all major departmental capitals.

• Micro-Grid Development: Incentivize the creation of solar and wind-powered micro-grids for rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

• Commence Hydro Construction: Begin construction on the first and most viable hydroelectric project identified in Phase 1.

• Launch Comprehensive Study: Begin the full-scale, transparent feasibility study for oil and mineral resources.

Phase 3: Consolidation & Full Transition (Years 10-15)

Focus: Achieving core policy goals.

• Ban all new ICE vehicle imports.

• Complete the connection of major renewable micro-grids to a modernized and smart national grid.

• Bring the first hydroelectric plant(s) online, providing base-load power for industry.

• Based on the findings of the feasibility study, make a sovereign, informed decision on whether and how to proceed with hydrocarbon and mineral development, with a world-class regulatory framework in place.

Part III: Governance & Implementation Framework

1. The Haitian Energy Transition Authority (HETA): A new, technically competent agency will be established to oversee this entire policy. HETA will be insulated from political interference and staffed with local and diaspora experts.

2. Respect for Existing Contracts: HETA's first mandate will be to audit all existing contracts with independent power producers and fuel importers. The transition will be designed to naturally align with the expiration of these contracts. Where early termination is beneficial, HETA will negotiate in good faith, offering buy-outs or opportunities for contractors to reinvest in new renewable projects.

3. Financing Strategy:

   • Green Bonds: Issue sovereign "green bonds" to raise international capital.

   • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Attract private investment for charging infrastructure, solar farms, and hydro plants.

   • International Climate Finance: Aggressively pursue grants and low-interest loans from global climate funds (e.g., Green Climate Fund).

   • Reallocated Subsidies: Gradually reallocate fossil fuel subsidies to support consumer EV purchases and rooftop solar installations for low-income families.

Conclusion

This policy is not merely an energy plan; it is a national development strategy. It will create thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. It will clean our air and reduce noise pollution in our cities. Most importantly, it will stop the hemorrhage of national wealth through fuel imports and build a Haiti that is powered by its own resources, for the benefit of its own people. By adopting this phased and strategic approach, we will build a modern, resilient, and energy-sovereign Haiti.