Matters relating to renewable energy initiatives and its benefits to countries, and the conclusion of an Air Services Agreement, were among the areas discussed when Germany???s Ambassador to Barbados, Dr Lutz G?rgens, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Steve Blackett.
During the meeting at Parliament last Friday, Mr. Blackett outlined the renewable energy initiatives currently being undertaken by Government and disclosed that 55,000 homes were outfitted with solar panels.
He also said that Government was ???on the cusp??? of rolling out its alternative energy solutions with a view to reducing the island???s dependence on fossil fuels through the use of photovoltaic power. Mr. Blackett also discussed plans for the construction of a waste-to-energy plant.
Meanwhile, Ambassador G?rgens lauded Government on its initiatives and advised that citizens must be made aware about the long term benefits of renewable energy.
???Dependence on fossil fuels damages the environment and brings about climate change in terms of hurricanes and sea level elevation. I am pleased to hear that 55,000 households are already at this point with installations and that number can grow,??? he added.
The two officials also discussed tourism matters and the conclusion of an Air Services Agreement.??Barbados and Germany established diplomatic ties on March 14, 1967.
julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb