Roban Returns: Barbados Conference
Minister of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Walter Roban participated in a panel discussion on the Renewable Energy plans of Bermuda and Barbados with the Minister responsible for Energy in Barbados Darcy Boyce.
A statement released by the Ministry said, “The panel was a segment of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum 2011 in Barbados, and exposed participants to the similarities and differences contained in the plans of the two island nations. As small islands, Bermuda and Barbados share many challenges, including those associated with the provision of reliable and affordable energy.”
Minister Roban, Jerry Butler, Chairman of Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, and Sen. the Hon. Darcy Boyce, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Barbados:
“While Barbados sits in close proximity to Trinidad and Tobago, rich in oil and natural gas reserves, Bermuda is much more isolated. To maximize the benefit of its relationship with Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados has established the Barbados National Oil Corporation (BNOC), which has negotiated a competitive price for oil with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.”
“As a result, BNOC is the sole importer of diesel and gasoline into Barbados. Bermuda established its Energy Commission in 2009, and Barbados is now giving consideration to developing a similar body to regulate the industry.”
“The Energy Policies of both Bermuda and Barbados have set as primary goals the reduction in the reliance on fossil fuels, and an increase in the contribution of renewable energy sources, all leading to a sustainable energy future. While Bermuda has set a target of 20% renewables by 2020, Barbados has set a target of 29% renewables by 2029.”
“As a step to reach this target, Barbados has made significant inroads with solar hot water, thereby reducing the need for fossil-based energy to heat water. In contrast, Bermuda for many years has taken advantage of the energy available from burning our waste. Barbados is now considering this technology.”
“Both countries have taken a technology neutral approach, encouraging the private sector to participate and determine the best mix of technologies. Unlike Bermuda, Barbados has the capacity for manufacturing and for the provision of incentives through income and sales tax relief.”
Minister Roban is interviewed by a reporter from CARICOM:
“For its part, Bermuda has set a zero import duty on renewable energy products. Both countries recognize that much can be gained simply, particularly through energy efficiency measures. A key driver for both to achieve efficiencies and to reach national targets is public education.”
“Both Ministers agreed that it is essential for each country to focus on the development of skills to support a vibrant renewable energy industry, and saw great potential for the creation of jobs as a result.”
“The Forum far exceeded my expectations”, said Minister Roban. “It is clear that many of our friends to our south share our view that our future energy sustainability requires a focus on renewables and a decrease in a reliance on fossil fuels. Each of us has access to sunlight, wind, and oceans. Each of us, in various ways, are exploring how these renewable sources can play a role in reaching our policy goals.”
While at the Forum, Minister Roban, accompanied by his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Derrick Binns, held discussions with the Chairman of CREF, Mr. Jerry Butler, about the possiblity of Bermuda hosting the Forum in 2013.
“As the Forum is traditionally held in October, and with upwards of 300 delegates likely to attend, hosting such an event in Bermuda would bring much needed economic activity to Bermuda during our shoulder months” added Minister Roban.
The Minister also discussed possibilities of support for a number of infrastructure projects that Bermuda will soon need to consider, including an expansion of water production and distribution, utility scale renewable energy options, and LED street lighting. Given the need to increase energy efficiency and increase the necessary skill sets to support the renewable energy industry, Minister Roban also held discussions with organizations able to train Bermudians to provide energy audits.
While at the forum, the Minister was interviewed by a CARICOM news organization and held a brief meeting with the Prime Minister of Curacao.
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