The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The opposition’s deputy leader yesterday pledged his party’s commitment to the National Energy Policy (NEP) target of generating 30 percent of the country’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Chester Cooper, also the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) finance spokesmen, told Tribune Business the party will “reflect” on the NEP as the way forward for increasing renewable energy penetration in The Bahamas if it assumes office following the next general election. 

The NEP, which was published by the former Christie administration in 2013, laid out six key areas that The Bahamas should focus on. These included diversification of fuel supply; modernising the energy infrastructure; the development of renewable energy, inclusive of biofuels, solar and ocean energy; energy conservation and efficiency; the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework; and promoting eco-efficiency in the manufacturing, agricultural and tourism sectors. 

Mr Cooper said returning to the NEP will be the “first step” in ensuring The Bahamas can meet its energy commitments and international obligations on climate change initiatives. 

He added: “Our economic plan calls for The Bahamas to have in place a minimum reliance on renewable energy of 30 percent by the year 2030. So we’re looking forward to partnering with Bahamians who want to be a part of the revolution in bringing solar power to our country.” 

Mr Cooper also doubled down on his party’s earlier pledge to invest $50m in Bahamian entrepreneurs, amounting to $250m over five years. He said much of this will go towards entrepreneurs who can “innovate” and be “ready to create jobs” for a 21st century economy. This mirrors the commitment already made by the Minnis administration, which has promised to invest exactly the same sum.

Pointing to earlier commitments on renewable energy initiatives, Mr Cooper said: “In 2016, under the PLP government, the Ministry of Fnance ran a successful pilot programme using electric vehicles. We need to expand the fleet of electric vehicles used by the government and have our offices and our government facilities to rely on solar power as well.”