EDITORIAL - Green economy offers great potential
The photovoltaic systems at Government primary schools are a practical investment that make good use of a natural resource and lower the cost of electricity bills. We hope that as Government continues to embark on its 2017-2037 Renewable Energy Strategy, it inspires a younger generation to embark on technical studies, even from the primary and secondary level.
In 2015, 74 per cent of electricity production was generated by heavy fuel oil, while natural gas and solar accounted for 0.2 and 0.6 per cent respectively. By 2030, officials hope that the island can further reduce its electricity usage by 22 per cent. Indeed, by next year, 28 000 streetlights are to be changed to LED lights and there will be a study on the possibility of ocean and offshore wind energy. Residential and commercial interest in photovoltaic panels has also grown, thanks to local companies and know-how which have facilitated the average consumer access to otherwise expensive ventures. The will is there, as well as the interest from both the state and the consumer.
That’s why it is useful to capitalise on this push, in more ways than one. The potential that comes from four primary schools generating 100 per cent of their own electricity – saving thousands of dollars annually – is significant. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Harcourt Husbands, made the point recently that news skills and jobs are created out of the green economy. What better way to generate interest than to teach young, eager minds the basics of that green economy, starting with the equipment and machinery that surround them?
It might seem a little too early to introduce scientific and technical studies in photovoltaic systems, but we are confident the basics can be taught to – at the very least – class three students and up. After all, if we are preparing children for the technology-based world, such as having electronic devices from a young age, we can equally invest the necessary education in turning young minds towards sustainable thinking, and perhaps with the frame of mind to create innovative sustainable developments. This will not only result in more foreign exchange saved, but will hopefully retool our education system towards other routes instead of the traditional academic, legal or medical professions which can give even more expression to those who do not engage well with pure academic material.
We must also be mindful, however, that we produce enough talent in the STEM and renewable energy fields and even more critically, ensure there is a home market for their immersion. Of course, regional and international training experience cannot be overruled, but brain drain should not become a factor, not at a time when we are trying to further the industry’s growth and development.
The results of the photovoltaic programme are indeed encouraging, but they are only a start. In time to come, we hope the programme is expanded to every school on the island, where they can single-handedly generate their own power and learn the basics of the systems. A future full-fledged green economy, one that is self-sustaining for the next generation of workers to be properly trained, is within our grasp.