Barbados has made an important statement that it intends to create a sustainable future with the incorporation of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads.
We acknowledge the exponential rise in the numbers of EV cars on our roads in the decade since the emergence of a private sector player – which has prompted the more established car dealerships to begin, at last, to join in.
We take note of the government’s internal credit scheme to put more civil servants behind the wheels of an EV while it slowly adds more plug-in and hybrid vehicles to its fleet.
Central to this EV drive has been the unqualified success of electrifying half of the Transport Board’s fleet of 120 buses. This was a commendable leap forward. The electric buses have proved popular with commuters given their smooth, quiet, air-conditioned ride, complete with onboard broadband access and charging points.
We are keen to see how much fuel – and foreign exchange – the state-owned bus company was able to save in 2023, to say nothing of other savings, from oil to brakes. But it has to be said that we can only hope that, for once, a strong maintenance programme will ensure that the quality of these rides will continue, defying the history of the breakdown and eventual disappearance of amenities and the emergence of jerry-rigged fixes. We can no longer go down that road.
The Barbados National Oil Company (BNOCL) emerges as a key player in this transformative journey. As the company shifts from a traditional oil and gas supplier to an energy company, its venture into renewable energy solutions, exemplified by the offer for landowners to create solar PV arrays, is both timely and promising.
To bolster the transition to electric vehicles, we believe BNOCL – which is currently trialling a biofuel service station – should spearhead the establishment of an extensive network of EV charging stations across the country, supporting both public bus and private car owners. By harnessing BNOCL’s proficiency in solar energy, these charging stations could be powered by solar PV arrays, contributing to a sustainable charging infrastructure. This not only aligns with the national commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also positions the nation as a regional leader in green technology.
The benefits of BNOCL’s quiet transition to renewable energy solutions are already evident, offering a range of solar panel systems and battery backup solutions for residential and commercial properties. With accessible financing options and installation assistance, BNOCL is paving the way for Barbadians to actively participate in creating a cleaner, greener future.
Crucially, the government must not delegate the nation’s march towards its 2030 fossil-fuel-free deadline solely to the private sector. While private enterprises are vital stakeholders, the government’s proactive involvement is essential to ensure a coordinated and efficient transition. Collaborating with BNOCL and other stakeholders, the government can provide the regulatory framework, incentives, and support needed to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles and associated infrastructure.
As Barbados celebrates its success in persuading the international community to embrace the loss-and-damage fund at the COP28 climate summit, and as the Bridgetown Initiative to reform the way rich countries finance poor countries in a climate crisis slowly gains traction, the time is ripe for our government to translate these triumphs into radical changes in our domestic energy initiatives. Beyond legislative foundations, concrete actions are imperative to propel Barbados towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Building on our international leadership and partnership in advocating for sustainable practices, the government must continue to implement ambitious policies prioritising renewable energy sources. Embracing electric vehicles and overhauling our energy infrastructure indicates to us that the transformative potential is within our grasp.
We support active engagement with private enterprises and international development partners. We also want to see our University of the West Indies, Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and Barbados Community College become important research centres that add to the corpus of global knowledge on the potential and practice of cutting-edge yet pragmatic solutions for both renewable energy generation and storage. This positions Barbados as a hub for sustainable practices and green innovation.
Encouraging BNOCL’s expansion into EV charging stations powered by solar energy would not only promote a greener transportation sector but solidify our commitment to a fossil-fuel-free future. Such a pivotal transition cannot be left solely to the private sector – and we must be wary of blindly embracing the neoliberal stance of the International Monetary Fund that would have us believe that state-owned enterprises are the great evil of the age. On the contrary, the government, with BNOCL as its executing agency, must take the helm in steering Barbados towards a clean and sustainable future.
