Government remains on track to fully achieve its National Energy Policy 2019-2030, which seeks to implement the use of 100 per cent energy solutions from renewable sources.
This assurance came from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Andrew Gittens, as he gave brief remarks during the launch of the communications campaign for the National Energy Policy 2020.
He said that although the Government’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 is ambitious, it is achievable.
“The move to more sustainable energy consumption must not be at the expense of consumers due to increasing costs, whether financial or economic. To attain these ambitious energy goals, the Government recognised the need for greater institutional capability and capacity within the organisations involved in Barbados’ energy sector. These efforts therefore include intense public education to highlight the importance of sustainable energy as a call to action for every Barbadian to play their part if we are to realise the vision of becoming the first green, 100 per cent renewable energy and carbon neutral island state by 2030,” Gittens explained.
To spread the word on the benefits of renewable energy and further educate the general public on how best to make the switch, the Government has collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Union, to deploy a Public Sector Smart Energy Programme that will promote sustainable energy technologies, in all areas of the public sector.
Gittens also revealed that because of the efforts by the Government to employ smart energy solutions in all state facilities, the present administration will be saving more than US$1 million annually on its electricity bill.
“I wish to assure you that Government will be in the forefront of this effort and will continue to lead the way to improve energy efficiency in Barbados. Under the Public Sector Smart Energy Programme, the Ministry has installed more than 23 336 LED streetlights in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance and the Barbados Light and Power Company Ltd. This is expected to reduce electricity consumption by 4.3 megawatt hours, creating savings of approximately US$1.7 million annually, in Government’s electricity bill.
“During the first quarter of this financial year, the Government signed a US$30 million loan with the IDB for the second phase of the Sustainable Energy Investment Programme. This will see the re-capitalisation of the Energy Smart Fund which aims to increase the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in the private sector by way of loans and grants. It will also focus on expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy in over 100 public buildings and allow for the further expansion of Government’s fleet of electric vehicles,” he stated.
During the launch, winners of the Online Energy Survey conducted by the Ministry, were also presented with their prizes.
