The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Bahamian energy demand is likely to increase by 30 per cent come 2030, making it “fundamental” that this nation reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and other foreign sources.

Kenred Dorsett, minister of the environment and housing, addressing the fifth assembly session for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said the recently-unveiled renewable energy self-generation programme was the first step to combating this problem.

With the Government having committed, through its National Energy Policy, to meeting 30 per cent of the Bahamas’ energy needs via renewable sources come 2030, Mr Dorsett said the self-generation initiative would build on the date obtained from the solar water heater and solar photovoltaic pilot projects.

“Like most in the Caribbean region, the Bahamas’ energy dependency has increased in large portions due to recent global events and the growing energy demand nationwide,” Mr Dorsett told the IRENA assembly.

“Studies have shown that this demand is expected to increase by approximately 30 per cent by 2030. Reducing energy demand and diversifying our energy matrix are fundamental pre-conditions for limiting our energy dependence.

“We have identified a number of key areas where action is needed, and have made a commitment to have a minimum of 30 per cent renewable energy penetration by 2030.”

Mr Dorsett said the residential self-generation programme will enable renewable energy sources to supply up to 10 per cent of BEC’s peak generating capacity in the initial stages.

“The Bahamas Electricity Corporation has prepared a renewable energy power purchase/interconnection agreement that will provide the framework for residential and certain commercial customers with renewable energy generation capabilities ,in particular wind and solar, to connect to the grid. The net metering framework will begin this year,” Mr Dorsett said.

“Since joining IRENA, the Bahamas has appointed a renewable energy resource focal point. We are also in the process of establishing a unit solely dedicated to the sustainable exploitation of our natural resources and the deployment of renewable energy technology across our country.”

Mr Dorsett added that the ocean thermal energy deal that will supply Baha Mar’s air conditioning needs also includes a clause allowing the Government to assess the viability of this technology producing energy for the wider Bahamas’ benefit.

“The Bahamas is also a participant in the Carbon War Room’s 10 Island Challenge. Under that programme, this year we will advance 20 MW of solar utility scale farms on several islands within our archipelago,” the Minister said.

“The Bahamas, like IRENA, is focused on technology infrastructure and standardisation. As we embark on our renewable energy self-generation regime, the protection of the credibility and integrity associated with the infrastructure used in the renewable energy transition becomes all the more important to the Bahamas.

“We look forward to the strengthening of our relationship with IRENA and its allies as we aim to develop different renewable energy deployment strategies across our archipelago and advance a sustainable energy future.

“Having regard to the adverse affects of climate change and sea level rise on low lying, island nations like the Bahamas, transitioning to a low carbon economy is not only to create a sustainable energy future, but ultimately about saving lives.”