EDITORIAL
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.
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 a saying “better late than never”. With the relatively recent introduction of green or electric vehicles into the country, there has been a greater appreciation seen for the concept of renewable energy and “green solutions”. 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 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.”
Local reports suggest, that in an effort to gain further momentum in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, Government would have been likely making a push to have a second Energy Smart Fund established, after the initial one came to a close in 2016.
The initial Energy Smart Fund was set up to provide financial and technical support to renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects in Barbados, with a loan being obtained from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). Much work has taken place under this initiative. We will have to wait and see however, how things go with regard to this project, given a number of other pressing matters, now on Government’s plate.
Without a doubt though, 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 to push renewable energy solutions. It has not been an easy task, but the renewable energy fever is now catching. BREA has been out front as well of late, in pushing for the Draft National Energy Policy for Barbados to be finalised and renewable energy solutions factor in significantly in this policy, which will be the subject of a Town Hall Meeting on the evening of Monday, February 27, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
While great focus is being placed on having the best Energy Policy for the country, what Barbadians need to do now, in the interim, 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.