Further growth possible

While the local renewable energy sector has been growing at an exponential rate, it is being suggested that such growth could have exceeded even current figures, had there been greater clarity earlier on the regulatory side, as steps were taken to push the idea of renewables.

That is according to Dr. Justin Robinson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, who is suggesting that the sector has not yet reached its peak. Robinson, speaking to the media on the sidelines of a two-day workshop entitled ‘Advancing Climate Change Risk Management in the Renewable Energy Sector’, which started yesterday at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel, and is being funded by BREA and the German development aid agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), said that in 2010 there were four photovoltaic systems in Barbados producing approximately seven kilowatts of electricity and by end of 2017, there were 850 systems, producing 22, 855 kilowatts of electricity.

“I don’t think it has done as well as it could have, if we had cleared the regulatory things earlier. But I think things have improved in the last six months; things are a lot clearer now, so it is about getting the nuts and bolts right. Even the hurricanes of last year have made people have a better look at renewables because with solar panels you can get your electricity up and running much faster. So renewables are getting a much more positive look after the ravages of Irma and the others last year, where that is really seen as a quicker way to get back up your electricity than having to import the fuel,” he said.

The university dean said given the success seen in the sector to date and potential for further growth, the goal now is to determine how to take it to that next level. But, he indicated that one of the big challenges is financing. Robinson indicated that existing financing packages that persons can obtain are limited.