Barbados: The island is about to launch its first project to install Battery Energy Storage Systems. These systems will help to promote the electricity grid and unlock stalled Solar PV connections. The Ministry of Energy and Business is conducting a three-day workshop with the participants to plan and make decisions about the buying of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
This ongoing workshop involves discussing the design and procurement process to ensure the successful implementation of these storage systems.
Moreover, the country has reached its maximum capacity of the electric grid. Following this, the Barbados Light and Power Company has also been advising that they are unable to connect homeowners and residential PV systems to the grid. Also, without the storage addition, it is becoming difficult.
The workshop is bringing along a group of experts in storage systems, who began supporting Barbados since the beginning of 2024 to address the gridlock challenge and enhance the renewable energy transition.
Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, in brief opening remarks at the Warrens Office Complex stated that this has been on the government’s priority list, and the partners have spent their energy and time in collaborating with the team, as all of them understand the importance of this.
She further stated that the discussion to be held during the workshop will take the authorities closer to the process of getting the battery energy storage systems into Barbados.
Additionally, the companies have shared with us the what they will be sharing with the market in the upcoming days will take the country a step closer to completing the design for a cost effective and price competitive battery energy storage system.
Senator Cummins highlighted that there has been strong cooperation among various partners and active involvement from all local agencies. These include the Fair Trading Commission, the Central Bank, Government Procurement, GEED, the Bankers’ Association, and other relevant associations. This collaboration is crucial for the project’s success.
