Expansion of wind energy projects

GOVERNMENT IS MAKING headway on long-awaited wind energy projects.

Minister of Energy Senator Lisa Cummins announced yesterday that the Lamberts wind project in St Lucy, originally planned for 30 MW, is now being scaled up to between 50 and 60 MW. The International Financial Corporation is serving as the project’s transaction advisor.

Delivering the keynote address at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) Energy Expo at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre yesterday, Cummins said Government had established a second wind measurement site in the St George valley, signalling further expansion in wind energy generation. Both initiatives are part of a broader multi-energy strategy aimed at diversifying the country’s renewable energy mix.

The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has revised its Energy Storage Tariff framework, initially introduced in 2023, to better align with ongoing storage procurement efforts. The tariff allows small-scale energy producers to integrate battery storage at rates which ensure economic feasibility. However, uptake has been low due to uncertainty in the regulatory environment.

To address this, the FTC has undertaken a review of the tariff structure, introducing clearer guidelines for negotiations with the utility. Public consultations on these revisions are expected to conclude shortly, after which updated policies will be implemented.

Sector-specific needs

Cummins emphasised the importance of local participation in the energy transition. The

Electricity Supply Act includes provisions requiring foreign investors to collaborate with local businesses and register local entities. However, Government has opted for flexibility in local content planning, allowing each project to tailor its approach based on sector-specific needs. To further empower Barbadian investors, a unit trust model is being incorporated into large-scale projects like Lamberts Wind Farm. This will enable individual Barbadians and small businesses to invest in renewable energy projects, ensuring that the financial benefits of the transition are shared more broadly.

The minister revealed that next month, Barbados will host the Sustainable Energy for All ( SEforALL) Global Forum, an event that previously attracted over 1 000 participants in Rwanda. Organised in partnership with the United Nations Special Envoy for Energy, it will see energy leaders from around the world gathering to discuss best practices, financing mechanisms and technology innovations in renewable energy.

Looking ahead, Government plans to shift its focus towards baseload and fixed capacity renewable projects. While solar remains the dominant renewable source, Cummins noted that reliance on intermittent generation requires greater stability through energy storage and diversified generation sources. (CLM)

From left are Nation Group Chief Executive Officer Noel Wood, RBC managing director Shimon McIntosh, Emera Caribbean president and chief operating officer Dave McGregor and ESG Partners Inc. president and founder Nancy Foran.