Column: Gilbert Darrell On Future Of Power
[Opinion column written by Gilbert Darrell]
Bermuda has long been recognized as one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. However, beauty comes at a cost, and in Bermuda, one of the highest costs is energy. Residents and businesses alike face some of the most expensive electricity bills in the world, driven by our reliance on aging infrastructure and heavy fuels. While the staff at BELCO have provided a dependable energy backbone for over a century, Bermuda’s energy model must evolve to remain competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing world.
The Global Shift: Tech Giants Lead the Way
Globally, major tech companies are revolutionizing energy production by investing directly in power infrastructure. Companies like Google and Microsoft are acquiring power plants, developing renewable energy facilities, and exploring nuclear solutions to meet their substantial energy needs. Their efforts are not only reducing their operating costs but also driving innovation in clean energy technology.
Bermuda, too, has an opportunity to harness this trend. Our strategic location and emerging role as a subsea fiber optic hub, with investments from companies like Google, place us at the cusp of technological transformation. Additionally, the global rise of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency presents an opportunity for Bermuda to diversify its economy and establish itself as a leader in tech. However, this vision is unattainable without affordable and reliable energy.
The Case for Change: Renewables and Nuclear
BELCO’s reliance on heavy fuels is not only costly but also environmentally unsustainable. To transition to a more modern energy system, Bermuda should seriously consider renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and even small-scale nuclear reactors. Modern nuclear decay reactors, designed for smaller-scale applications, offer a safe, efficient, and reliable energy solution that aligns with Bermuda’s size and needs.
Renewables are equally critical. Despite initial costs, solar and wind energy can dramatically lower energy prices in the long term. Bermuda’s abundant sunshine and coastal winds make it a prime candidate for these technologies. Moreover, diversifying energy sources will make our energy grid more resilient to external shocks, such as global fuel price fluctuations or supply chain disruptions.
The Role of Government: Encouraging Innovation
Government policy will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation. One immediate step is reinstating the solar credit program, which previously offered rebates to homeowners installing solar systems. Such incentives not only lower individual energy costs but also reduce strain on the national grid. Additionally, the government must collaborate with private investors and international energy innovators to fund and develop renewable and nuclear projects.
Public-private partnerships could unlock new avenues for investment in Bermuda’s energy sector. For instance, tech giants investing in Bermuda’s fiber optic infrastructure might also be interested in supporting renewable or nuclear energy projects to ensure a stable and affordable energy supply for their operations.
Bermuda’s Path Forward
For a century, Bermuda has relied on tourism and then international business to fuel its economy. While these industries remain vital, the future demands diversification. With the right investments in technology and energy, Bermuda can position itself as a leader in the global tech economy. Affordable energy is the linchpin for this transformation. By embracing innovative energy solutions and fostering collaboration between government and industry, Bermuda can reduce costs, ensure sustainability, and unlock new economic opportunities.
It is time to move beyond the status quo. The world is changing, and Bermuda must change with it. By investing in renewable energy, exploring nuclear options, and incentivizing homeowners to contribute to the energy grid, we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Bermudians.
- Gilbert Darrell, Founder and CEO of Rize Technologies
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Category: All, technology
First, all energy is renewable. All “renewables,” such as wind and solar, must be backed up by evil fossil fuels. The average onshore & offshore wind generates around 30% of the time and solar in the 12%-15% range in a good year. Analogy: Would you purchase a car that only started 30% or less of the time? Now add in the cost to cover transportation when your car does not start.
Second, our Government refuses to release spreadsheets used to justify decisions to go “green.” Examples include EV buses, EV cars, wind turbines, and the purchase of solar panels for Government buildings. Gaslighting comes to mind.
Third, as I suggested to the Government years ago, the only way to make solar cost-friendly for all residents of Bermuda is to use Government purchasing power to lower the cost of solar panels and equipment by purchasing in bulk directly from the manufacturers. Installation is done by local solar installers at a standard rate. Giving a credit is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Fourth, I say again, if you want to reduce your electricity consumption, install a timer for your water heater. A hot water heater does not need to run 24/7. Our installation paid for itself in about four months. I suggested Government work with licensed electricians and interested homeowners and purchase a standard set of timers directly from the manufacturers in bulk. Government could also add that into the building code for new construction, timers and/or hot water heaters with built-in timers.
“I suggested to the Government years ago, the only way to make solar cost-friendly for all residents of Bermuda is to use Government purchasing power to lower the cost of solar panels and equipment by purchasing in bulk directly from the manufacturers”
Please do NOT encourage our Government to enter into commercial transactions. Leave that to private industry.
Please feel free to pay through the nose. When do you plan to have solar panels installed? As you may recall, the Government entered the free LED bulb business based on my suggestion to mass-purchase the bulbs to reduce costs – and costs were significantly reduced! My plan was to sell the bulbs, and the Government’s plan was to win goodwill. Oh well. Go green! Save the planet!
What are you doing to make Bermuda a better place? I do not recall reading any of your ideas or plans being submitted to the Government. If I missed them, please list them with details. Thank you.
“Bermuda should seriously consider renewable energy sources, such as … small-scale nuclear reactors”.
Please no! We cannot maintain our incinerator or even our roads. I do not want my children and grandchildren living in the Chernobyl of the north Atlantic!
I agree. If you believe that the cost of five wind turbines would drive up Bermuda’s electric rates, imagine the cost of a nuclear reactor being passed on to consumers! Naturally, Mr. Darrell’s wallet is not opening wide.
Google and Microsoft can AFFORD to invest in nuclear reactors because it is cost-effective for each to be vertically integrated as much as possible. Each foresees that the electricity consumption at their massive server farms would drain a local electric grid. Then come the peasants with pitchforks and flaming torches pounding on the doors when their lights go out.
Mr. Darrell overlooks the Government’s EV drive for all. Where will the power come from to charge all those EVs?
Mr. Darrell overlooks the Government’s push for free, unaccredited artificial intelligence classes, which flopped big time, just like the free unaccredited cryptocurrency classes and crypto companies.
This “opinion” piece looks typical of a form letter to the editor I have seen posted on other sites. It has all the buzzwords accompanied by smoke and mirrors.
How much electricity does the grid at the Finger (by the airport) generate? Up to 13% of the island’s need at peak demand, and at other times more than 13%.
So why have our electric bills continued to skyrocket. Was that facilities land leased for non-Bermudians to benefit. Was it the PLP making foreigners rich at Bermudians expense again?
https://bernews.com/2021/12/airport-finger-facility-starts-producing-energy/
Many of you will recall that Water went to bat with the R.A. in connection with the masive price hike of our B.E.L.C.o bill during say mid term 2024.
That appeard to me that Walter was fighting a loosing battle.
Money or the lack of it will never go away.
it is as real as the ground we walk on, because we have no other natural resources to draw on .
We can plant more food or offer more excuses for covid and inflation but that does not solve the problem.
All of a sudden our electric bill went down.
Thank the Pond Hhill University of Atomic Research
We found out the our bill were being subsidized from Government’s tax revenue and where does Government get is tax dollars from YOU & Billy and Millie
in reality the cost of electricity had not gone down that in reality varies with the tempreture of the day .
Many people waster hot water, very true .
B.E.L.Co still got their money it came from out of our national pot for the want of a better idea . which is being suported by our tax dollars,in other words you and I never got relief from the B.E.L.Co the bill which did not go down.
i do have ideas for livin off the grid it is a heat box and a fan system for the hot Sumer nights .
Who ownes you? It is Canada.
Who owns Belco ? Its Canada
Who has the most oil than many other countries? its Canada
Who owned Bermuda ? it is Canada
Where does Canada get it money from ? insurance premiums. you money for paper with small print
Our tax money pays part of your powor bill , instead of reducing the national debt .
Money is like water it runs away .
So if you think the miracle of a low power bill came from a higher power from above you are sadly wrong, it came from the sweat from your backs and through your contributions to land tax, import duty ,TCD and Sugar tax and more.
Here is some advice that will fall on deaf ears we have to grow more of our own food and find a way of preserving it .
Initially I though of Walter ,how could you do that to us on second though he had no other choise with smoke an mirors .
there is alway a price to be paid ,life ir not free. WHAT WOULD DO ?
The next election will not be about issues it will be all about money and the National debt and food.
we have heard the music, now we have to pay the band .
Just look around your room every thing you see and the shirt on your back was subject to taxation .
We will never get out of the woods from our personal debt either mortgages and find takes money off the table not what we earn present day but what we borrow .
The UK has reached it borrowing limit at lease they have some thing to show for it we have Bermudiana beach that is a real problem that scares me. could be good for a ware house
“We can not make wine from water” .
We will never get a real reduction in taxes .
Every last drop of hot water that come from your water heater is processed by B.E.L.Co.
A water heater purpose made outer jacket may preserve some of the loses .
The thermostat does the rest, or back down on the settings .
30 gallons is alot of hot water .
Cleaver me knows how to get free hot water.
Home water pump use alot of B.E.L Co power . so dow hvin two water heaters .
Take a short shower , plug the bath tup drain as a foot warmer . Don’t bath, why bother do a quick shower .