EDITORIAL

Yes to renewable energy solutions

It is time we seek to a greater depth, renewable energy solutions, to help us cut down on our exorbitant levels of imported energy products.

Studies on the energy sector have shown that petroleum products are the island’s main source of energy. Across the region as well, reports also suggest that some of our islands spend as much as half of their export earnings on imported fossil fuels. Now we here in Barbados certainly stand to lose, if we do not reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and look more towards renewable energy solutions.

Taking into account the fact that there are often complaints about high electricity bills whenever there is talk about energy or energy consumption services, it is admirable that both Government and key players in our local renewable energy sector are pushing a number of renewable energy solutions, to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and to ensure greater energy security. However, much more needs to be done to advance our “Green Economy". While the focus is always on government, Barbadians can play their part in keeping energy consumption levels to a minimum. The two go hand in hand, that is, the pursuit of sustainable renewable energy solutions and reduced energy consumption. Homeowners should evaluate the levels of energy consumption in their households and take steps in the direction of energy conservation, to reduce high electricity bills. They should also seek, where they can, to invest in viable renewable energy systems for their homes and businesses, to reap the full benefits that can come, when one fully embraces renewable energy solutions.

It is high time we wake up and realise that we should be better harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind and even the sea. A key example of our sloth in this area, is with the introduction of green or electric vehicles into the country. While some were toying with the idea for a while and there were a few cars used as exhibits, Barbadians now seem to be catching on to the drive to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. As one provider of the electric cars noted, “When considering (Barbados’) small size, relatively, flat terrain, abundance of solar energy and costly reliance on imported petroleum products; a compelling case is present for a shift towards zero emission, electric transportation.”

That said, the Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) must also be commended for doing its fair share of work to get Barbadians to better appreciate and understand the need for renewable energy solutions. The BREA Secretariat has facilitated on behalf of its membership, a number of core lobbying and advocacy efforts, centred on advancing the growth and development of the local renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. BREA has also been out front in hosting a number of sectoral discussions and meetings, in relation to the finalisation of the National Energy Policy. Of late, BREA has made it clear that whilst government has made some critical and important first steps towards the development of the renewable energy sector, much more needs to be done, to advance this sector’s growth. BREA must however stay its course, as advancing this sector will not be an easy task, but small gains will eventually lead to bigger pursuits and the renewable energy sector will eventually take greater precedence than it is allotted now, as more and more persons see the value of investing in it, for great outcomes.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000