Electromobility, solar PV penetration, and LED lights are buzzwords associated with the energy sector today. But 12 years ago, that was not the case for many Caribbean countries, a region that has historically relied on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs.
This was the case of Barbados, a well-known Caribbean Island because of its beautiful beaches, a favorite tourist destination, and the homeland of the popular singer, now National Hero, Rihanna. By 2012, Barbados relied heavily on fossil fuels to supply energy, there were no solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed anywhere on the island, no electric vehicles (EV) or electric chargers operating, and very few energy efficiency measures were in place or available at for the population.
With the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Barbados is now spearheading an energy transition that improves the life of its citizens, lowers its fossil fuels’ import bill, and embraces initiatives that might seem futuristic for our times. For example, having two-way power meters in every household that measure the solar energy produced and sell it to the utility company; or light emitting diode (LEDs) that contribute to reducing energy consumption in every house, street, and highway; the penetration of over 25% of solar PVs in the country; and, by 2030 almost 1 in 3 vehicles will be EVs. These initiatives have surpassed ambitious goals that transformed its energy sector and are a notable example for the Caribbean and Latin America.
How did this happen?
To begin this story, we must travel back, specifically to Barbados in 2012. Back then, the electricity tariff was one of the highest in the world (over 0.4 US$/kWh), imported diesel and heavy fuel oil were the main energy sources and the public transport fleet depended exclusively on old, inefficient, and polluting diesel buses. Nevertheless, there has been a high penetration of solar water heaters (over 30%) since the 80s, which showed Barbados’ appetite to embrace innovative renewable energy technologies.
Barbados demonstrated its long-term vision and commitment to renewable energy by first allowing household and commercial buildings to adopt and install solar PVs and sell their power to the grid. Barbados then developed its first financial facility to support renewable energy and energy efficiency, called the Smart Fund, where the government provided financial incentives for small and medium enterprises to install PVs and LEDs, thus saving important resources for the country. Additionally, Barbados signed the Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), subsequently developing the Barbados National Energy Policy of 2019.
To achieve its commitments, Barbados took an important step by establishing the Public Sector Smart Energy Program (PSSEP), financially supported by the IDB, in 2012. Although initially intended to promote and implement the use of Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) measures in the public sector, the program achieved infrastructure modernization by increasing the adoption of energy efficiency technologies (EETs) in public buildings, promoting the use of electric vehicles in the public sector. It increased the deployment of renewable energy technologies throughout the country.
What was once “futuristic” has changed how the energy sector in Barbados operates. Hence, the story of the PSSEP is also the story of the Barbados of the future, told by the people currently benefitting from the energy transition that the Government of Barbados planned and currently implements for its citizens. Join us as we discover these stories.
A story of brighter streets that build community
Marisa Armstrong has lived in Maynard, St Peter, for over 35 years. The PSSEP benefitted the streets surrounding her house, impacting her community positively.
With the improved lighting, there is a sense of comfort knowing that you can see around your home and around your neighborhood. Going outside to chat with your neighbors or spending time on the patio, which is something we like to do a lot, is made possible by more lighting. In Barbados we are a friendly bunch.
Marisa Armstrong, Resident of Maynards St. Peter
Since 2018, as part of the PSSEP’s retrofitting component, it has successfully replaced over 25 thousand streetlights nationwide (equivalent to 88%).
A story of solar-powered education
Grantley Robinson is the electronics database manager and a teacher at the Samuel J Prescod Institute, a technical and vocational educational institution in Pine Hill, Bridgetown. In 2019, the institute finished the installation of 336 solar panels for a 109-kilowatt solar PV system, which generates 200 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and an estimated BBD 85,000 in revenue per year. The intervention at the Samuel J Prescod Institute is part of the 15 buildings retrofitted under the PSSEP.
Although the benefits of using solar power are notable, the program has impacted its students directly, as its implementation increased the teaching scope of the institute.
Among our coursework offerings, the institute features certification in solar power systems installation and maintenance. Having the panels installed in our institute has allowed students to work hands-on with the actual systems, which has enriched their learning experience
Grantley Adams, Electronic Service Manager at Samuel J. Prescod Institute
A story of sustainable transportation
For Wallace Clarke, driving an electric bus was the natural step in his career at the Barbados Transport Board. After having worked there for 35 years and having contributed to the Transport Board’s initiatives for disabled people, he mentioned that driving a bigger and technologically advanced bus felt like graduation, and he couldn’t be happier to be contributing to the present and future of his country. Apart from the technical features of the electric bus, he highlighted that this bus “is great for the other older population. It can lean towards them instead of having people climb the stairs on boards. It’s easier for them to access the bus as it has one single step”. However, its benefits don’t end there.
Starting in 2018, the Government received electric vehicles for circulation nationwide, and in 2020 electric buses were introduced. Wallace’s bus is only one example of the expanded use of electric cars and buses, which showcases successful transformations in transportation, building local expertise and cutting CO2 emissions. As part of the PSSEP, 2 electric buses were introduced in the public fleet and are now used to drive around the whole island. The pilot project has strengthened the government’s commitment to replace 100% of private and public transportation fleets with hybrid and electric vehicles.
The Barbados of the future is now
Before the PSSEP, Barbados experienced significant economic and energy inefficiencies, not only from outdated infrastructure but also due to inefficient energy consumption on the demand side and a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels on the supply side. These factors increased expenses for public institutions and citizens, exacerbating the economic challenges.
However, the PSSEP not only addressed these inefficiencies but also contributed to the reduction of the country’s carbon emissions and expenditure on electricity, which impacted its citizens’ financial capacity. At the IDB, we are proud to have supported and continue to support these efforts.
In 2024, Barbados has beautiful beaches, it’s known for its tourism, and Rihanna’s house still remains. And now, its energy situation has improved dramatically. From the north to the south, either on the west or going to the east, wherever you look, solar panels are located on rooftops, green areas, and gardens, contributing to cleaner electricity generation. If you ride a bus, there’s a big chance it is fully electric, accessible, and has air conditioning and wi-fi. And if you look around at the streetlights, most are LED.
After more than a decade of transformation, the Barbados of the future is a reality now.
This post was elaborated with the contributions of Veronica Prado, and Christiaan Gischler, past Energy specialists based in Barbados and leaders of the PSSEP.
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