EDITORIAL

TO increase energy security and also ensure environmental and economic stability, Barbados must place greater focus on the pursuit of renewable energy solutions.

We have heard over the years that we should seek renewable energy solutions to help us cut down on imported energy products. Indeed, studies on the energy sector have shown that petroleum products are the island’s main source of energy, with 90% of commercial energy supplies imported into the region. Reports also suggest that some of our Caribbean islands spend as much as half of their export earnings on imported fossil fuels.

Taking into account the fact that there are often complaints about high electricity bills whenever a 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.

While some may argue that it has taken quite a number of years for us to wake up and realise that we should be better harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind and even the sea, there is saying “better late than never”. 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 they 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 notes, “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”.

The Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) must be commended for doing its fair share of work to get Barbadians to better appreciate and understand the need to push renewable energy solutions. It has not been an easy task, but the renewable energy fever is now catching. BREA meanwhile has noted that it is embracing Government’s new policy objective on energy, to transition Barbados to a 100 per cent green and carbon neutral island state by 2030.

Acknowledging that the new policy objective presents an opportunity for a new co-ordinated and strategic approach to be taken in the build-out of the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, BREA has however noted that there is an urgent need for the provision of a greater level of clarity on the current policy and regulatory framework governing the renewable energy sector. Hopefully this aspect will be addressed.

In the meantime, what Barbadians need to do is make an effort to keep their 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.