The Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship recently relaunched their Smart Energy Barbados 2030 website. It is the official website for the Barbados National Energy Policy 2019-2030.
The main objective of the site is to motivate Barbadians to help realize the national goal of being 100% renewable by 2030, which is part of BNEP. The site also seeks to educate the public on the Policy in a way that is easy to understand.
In making the announcement, Keisha Reid, Programme Manager for the Project Execution Unit in the Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, explained the interactive website would include information on critical renewable energy targets, and tips on how to become an “Energy Champion”. Ms. Reid said Barbados needs energy champions to achieve the 2030 goal. Hence, the new website compiled a list of practical energy recommendations for homes and businesses. Visitors to the site will find insights on energy efficient appliances, electric vehicles and other subject areas.
Ms. Reid indicated that government’s efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy will facilitate job opportunities for Barbadians with the proper training. This need has already stimulated new locally accessible academic and vocational training programmes. For this reason, she said: “To support careers in the sector, the Energy Division has developed a Smart Energy Educational catalogue which identifies locally available educational options related to the renewable energy sector”. The online catalogue contains courses available at tertiary institutions, including the University of the West Indies, the Barbados Community College, Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and the Barbados Vocational Training Board. Ms. Reid added, “With this detailed information in one location, it is easier for prospective students to grow professionally and technically in the world of renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
Another new feature of SmartEnergyBarbados.com is the Smart Energy Podcast series. Each episode features hostess Tracy Fowler discussing topics related to renewable energy with various expert guests, including the Honourable Kerrie Symmonds. Listeners can learn more about BNEP’s goals, how they will be achieved and the many ways in which Barbadians will benefit.
