Barbados won’t make renewable energy target

Barbados is likely to miss its ambitious goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, but officials expressed optimism about the country’s green energy transition as a national policy was announced Wednesday.

The island has nevertheless made substantial strides in renewable energy, which now accounts for 15 per cent of total energy production—a significant leap from near-zero levels in 2019 when the Barbados National Energy Policy was launched.

Mohammed Nagdee, executive director of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), acknowledged the target would likely be missed but emphasised the importance of setting ambitious goals. 

“I’ll always say that in order for us to really have or achieve a major transition, we need to set ambitious goals,” he told journalists. “So I’ll say that we’re not going to be able to make it, but let’s really look at the context in terms of where we were when we made the pronouncements in 2018 and 2019 and where we sit today. Even though we may miss a target slightly by 2030, I have absolutely no doubt that we will continue to move in that direction.”

Energy Minister Senator Lisa Cummins highlighted significant developments in solar photovoltaics. The national grid now hosts 109 megawatts of solar capacity, with approvals for over 230 MW and a pipeline of more than 330 MW.

“By 2026, once we get batteries into the system, we could hit 60 per cent of our consumption through solar PV alone,” Senator Cummins said. She also indicated potential for wind and hydrogen projects, suggesting the country could generate 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2035.

Nagdee hinted at a “major announcement” expected in February, focusing on battery storage and wind energy, which he described as “low-hanging fruits” for Caribbean nations.

The national energy policy aims to eliminate fossil fuel consumption, maximise public participation in renewable energy, and create a regional centre of excellence in renewable energy research and development.

While the 2030 target appears unattainable, Nagdee remained positive: “Even though we may miss a target slightly by 2030, I have absolutely no doubt that we will continue to move in that direction.” (SM)