EDITORIAL

Recent news that the solar photovoltaic utility plant in Trents, St. Lucy is on track to be completed by the end of June is welcome indeed. The soon-to-be finished facility, which will comprise of 44 000 panels, should produce ten megawatts of power into the national grid. It is a pleasing development and one that augurs well for the future, given Barbados’ energy spending, and opens up the pathway to further independence from fossil fuels.

 

As small as this island is, 90 per cent of energy is supplied by imported fossil fuels, a high bill which racks up over $700 million per annum. It has been a stated goal of the Government of Barbados to engage on a path towards renewable energy, with a goal of having 29 per cent of the island’s electricity needs powered by such sources by 2029. This is estimated to cut imports by US$283.5 million and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4.5 million tonnes.

 

As a country with an excellent track record in pushing the solar water technology business, it is encouraging to see an offshoot industry arising out of an area with the biggest potential for Barbados and the Caribbean. There have been a number of private firms investing in solar photovoltaic systems to help reduce electricity costs and Government has implemented some solar powered street lighting and installed panels on some public buildings. Yet, the sky is literally the limit, as seen by other countries that continue to make strides in renewable energy. Portugal, for example, recently operated lights for four days strictly on renewable energy made up of solar, wind and hydro power. Germany also recently powered almost all of its electricity needs for a full day. 

 

 

The Caribbean is slowly building its renewable energy profile. Last year provided a boost in the establishment of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which provides a number of technical and other services to public and private sector entities. And the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, CARICOM and the US Department of Energy will also lend invaluable support for strategic projects.

 

These inspiring developments can then co-ordinate well with budding interest in solar-based education. As we encourage more young people to be entrepeunerial minded, it is important to have a trained cadre of professionals on the island to push the industry forward, not just in Barbados but beyond. Yohan Greaves, Director of Operations at Barbados Light & Power who gave an update to the media about the Trents project, also noted there were more than 50 local persons on site, who will be helpful for any future maintenance work. Going forward, we hope this translates to a revamp of secondary level science and technology based syllabi to ensure the spread of this knowledge redounds to the benefit of the country.

 

Barbados has consistently proven that it can punch above its weight. With a firm stride towards renewable power – and marking milestones such as the Trents photovoltaic farm along the way – we are sure to achieve our stated energy goals.