Barbados has plans to end “business as usual” scenarios in the energy sector by 2030. New targets have been set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 per cent through the generation of power from renewable energy, and reduction in electricity consumption by 2030 – 65 per cent and 22 per cent respectively. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart explained that targets will be achieved through a diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency programs; he believes that the increasing the renewable energy penetration level in electricity supply beyond the 65 per cent target is feasible and economically viable.
Technologies used to enforce this target will include waste-to-energy, biomass, landfill gas-to-energy and bio-energy projects. The eastern Caribbean island has also legislated a new regulatory regime that enables independent power producers to sell electricity generated from renewable sources back to the grid. PM Stuart noted that later this month 10 MW of intermittent renewable energy generating systems will be added to the 9 MW in place. Interest in renewables generation has grown to a fever pitch and more than 1,000 households have such systems connected to the grid. If the trend continues, Barbados could achieve 75 per cent generation by 2030, reduce the cost of electricity systems by $200 million and create over 5,000 jobs in the energy sector.
A target of 29 per cent has been set for 2029, for all electricity consumption to be generated from renewable sources, and a reduction of 22 per cent in electricity consumption in the same year. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque has said that “actions that open regional markets and planning processes to renewable energy options… would promote public/private partnerships for financing the options and opportunities.”
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/10/11/barbados-revises-energy-targets/
