By Kiara Smith on Monday, 22 November, 2021 at 02:49 PM

As Barbados works towards being fossil fuel free by 2030, more discussions on the progress of wind energy and the introduction of wind turbines are happening.

As part of CARICOM’S energy month, the Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship coordinated the Barbados Sustainable Energy Conference and Expo, where several leaders and key players in this industry, addressed this issue.

Under the theme The Potential for Wind Energy in Barbados, research and development manager of ITP Energised, Dr. Ned Minns, said, “Wind energy is the cheapest source of renewable energy.”

Wind energy is generated by transforming wind currents into electricity and other forms of energy using wind turbines.

Although some people may believe that wind turbines can damage their health, livestock and other factors, wind energy can decrease fossil fuel costs, it is sustainable and reduces pollution in the air.

Mr. Daniel Pardo, project manager, of DNV Energy Systems Canada Inc., who is also an onshore wind consultant said there are no major risks, but highlighted the importance of preparing for the transition to wind energy.

“When a market is starting in a country, that education and engagement of the society is also going to be key for Barbados… being able to explain to the landowners, to the communities what are the advantages of onshore wind and what are the impacts as well,” he said.

However, while there are already a few places that have been pre-identified for onshore wind, he added that infrastructure is key and finding good spots that have the wind resources with good spaces can be a challenge.

In support of this point, Dr. Minns indicated that, “The consenting process usually takes about two-and-a-half years; construction is somewhere between four or five years so, we have got six-and-a-half to seven years of duration, so if we are actually looking to have this up and running by 2030, that means you need to have all of your regulation and legislations in place.”