Opportunity
The Caribbean island nation of Barbados, with a population of 285,000 people, relies heavily on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs in electricity generation and transportation. As energy technology advances and becomes more affordable, Barbados plans to rely solely on renewable energy resources by 2030. To implement this ambitious energy policy, MESBE required independent expertise to support the development of an integrated resource and resiliency plan (IRRP).
Solution
Together with MESBE and a broad base of stakeholders, we developed feasible decarbonisation pathways. Studies placed key consideration on renewable energy resources, integration constraints, energy storage feasibility, electrification of the transport sector (particularly electric vehicles and electric cruise liners) and demand-side management options. We used industry leading simulation and optimisation software, PLEXOS, together with system studies software, DIgSILENT, to perform least-cost optimisation of generation and transmission capacity to meet the country’s objectives through different potential pathways.
Outcome
In collaboration with MESBE and stakeholders, the IRRP was presented to government and the public. The IRRP sets out three potential transition pathways for Barbados to meet its renewable energy goals while ensuring resilient and secure energy supply and minimising electricity costs for consumers. The IRRP included a multicriteria assessment, where we evaluated and ranked the techno-economic, social and environmental criteria of the three transition pathways. Alongside this, we provided a comprehensive capacity-building training plan and programme to staff at the ministry to enable the sector to respond to the dynamically changing energy landscape.