Energy matters were discussed extensively when Minister of Energy and Business Development, Kerrie Symmonds, and Spain’s Ambassador to Barbados, Fernando Nogales Alvarez, recently held talks virtually.
Mr. Symmonds told Ambassador Alvarez that the island’s national energy policy looks at a mix of technologies, namely wind, solar, and biofuels.
“What we do not actually have in the policy is hydrogen…. With the passage of time, a greater degree of interest has been taken in hydrogen, and we are recognising that it is a technology that is rapidly advancing….
“Therefore, it is something that we should try to explore, and we are interested in finding out what options are available by way of hydrogen-type investments onshore Barbados. So as we go forward, we are thinking that if we can have hydrogen as part of the energy mix, … it will help the overall economic trajectory of the country,” he explained.
The Minister said hydrogen ships were being constructed, as he noted that Barbados was currently a home-porting destination for some cruise ships.
He said it was anticipated that there would be a need for hydrogen in other areas of the economy, and therefore Barbados was seeking to ready itself for such.
“Right now, the new wave is electric vehicles; there are those who will argue that is only for a short time and that five or six years from now, it may be hydrogen powered vehicles,” Mr. Symmonds stated.
Ambassador Alvarez expressed a keen desire for both countries to work together, and have his country’s experience with hydrogen shared with local officials.
Those attending the virtual courtesy call included Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Business Development, Sandra Husbands; Permanent Secretary responsible for Business Development, Francine Blackman, and Director of the Natural Resources Department, Jamar White. The Ambassador is based in Trinidad.