Barbados is set to launch its inaugural Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, a significant step towards enhancing the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. This initiative aims to bolster the electricity grid and facilitate the connection of previously stalled solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The Ministry of Energy and Business is spearheading a three-day Procurement Design Workshop, bringing together stakeholders from organizations such as Renewables for All, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the Inter-American Development Bank, Deloitte, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the International Finance Corporation. The primary goal of the workshop is to finalize the procurement details for the BESS project.
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Barbados is poised to address its energy storage needs with the BESS project, providing a reliable solution to support its growing renewable energy sector. Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, highlighted the project’s significance at the Warrens Office Complex, stating, “This has been an urgent priority for our Government. The partners have spent a lot of time collaborating with my team because they understand how critical this is. The discussions over the next few days will help finalize the process to bring battery energy storage systems into the country. This is a watershed moment that many have been waiting for.”
The consortium of experts supporting Barbados began their efforts in early 2024, conducting a grid characterization study that informed the project’s design. Their work, including market sounding sessions, aims to develop a cost-effective and competitive BESS tailored to Barbados’ needs. Local agencies involved in the collaboration include the Fair Trading Commission, the Central Bank, Government Procurement, GEED, and the Bankers’ Association.
In addition to the BESS project, Barbados is planning a 50MW photovoltaic plant combined with 128MWh of long-term green hydrogen storage and batteries in St. Philip. This facility aims to replace heavy fuel oil and kerosene consumption, aligning with the country’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030.
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As the BESS project approaches completion, Barbadians awaiting grid connections can anticipate accessing solar energy, allowing new projects to move forward. The successful implementation of these initiatives underscores Barbados’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its role as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.
Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business, has been a pivotal force behind Barbados’ renewable energy initiatives. Her leadership has been crucial in addressing gridlock challenges and promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions. She led the three-day Procurement Design Workshop, where key stakeholders collaborated to make critical decisions regarding the procurement of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). With Barbados’ electric grid nearing its maximum capacity, the Barbados Light and Power Company stressed the need for additional storage to connect homeowners and residential PV systems. Senator Cummins highlighted the urgency of this project, emphasizing the active involvement of international partners such as RELP, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the Inter-American Development Bank, Deloitte, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the International Finance Corporation.
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