Battery Energy Storage Systems to Enhance Barbados’ Renewable Energy Integration

The introduction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) facilities will greatly enhance the island’s ability to integrate renewable energy into the grid, stabilise power supply, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Advantages of BESS

While the exact battery chemistry in use has not been specified, the emphasis on BESS suggests a likely reliance on lithium-ion technology, which is commonly used in such applications worldwide.

Key Players

This view was expressed by Senior Technical Officer, Destine Gay, of the Ministry of Energy and Business, who is also part of the Project Monitoring and Coordination Team. She made the comments on Wednesday, at the launch event for the BESS Procurement for Barbados, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

In her address, Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Carina Cockburn, said the path towards decarbonisation was not an easy one, yet it must be pursued. She noted that battery energy storage systems were a critical component of any country’s energy strategy.

Procurement Process

The IDB representative suggested that the initiation of the competitive procurement process by the Government was a milestone. She noted that auctions were among the most effective methods to help the country achieve its energy goals.

The benefits of auctions include cost efficiency, as these kinds of processes drive down costs by fostering competition among bidders. Transparency and fairness are also ensured, making information about the process visible to stakeholders and ensuring that the best solutions are selected based on merit.

Auctions allow for scalability and flexibility in procurement. Barbados has tailored the auction parameters to meet the system specific needs, aiming at future scaling up of additional capacity over time. So, this approach is the one most likely to achieve a positive outcome for the country.

Experts’ Opinions

Director of Country Delivery at RELP, Ramiro Gomez Barinaga, noted that the shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy supports energy sovereignty, and reduces dependency on global oil market shocks on the local economy.

Vice President of the Barbados Renewable Energy Association, Meshia Clarke, said the launch represents an opportunity to build local capacity among sector professionals to support the deployment of battery energy storage systems for large scale projects.

Ms. Clarke added: “We ask that this procurement continue to move forward with urgency. By urgency we do not mean that it should be rushed, but that it should be undertaken efficiently and in accordance with clear timelines and a sense of shared responsibility for timely outcomes….”

She welcomed the Request For Information phase of the procurement process, saying that it would provide for an invaluable opportunity for interventions to be considered and fully integrated into the final publishing of the BESS.

Conclusion

The launch of the BESS procurement process is a significant step towards achieving energy independence and sustainability for Barbados. The emphasis on lithium-ion technology and the use of auctions as a procurement method are expected to drive down costs and ensure the selection of the best solutions.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the BESS procurement process?

The purpose of the BESS procurement process is to select a suitable battery energy storage system to enhance Barbados’ ability to integrate renewable energy into the grid, stabilise power supply, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

What is the expected timeline for the procurement process?

The exact timeline for the procurement process has not been specified. However, it is expected to be completed efficiently and in accordance with clear timelines and a sense of shared responsibility for timely outcomes.

Can the public participate in the procurement process?

Yes, the public can participate in the procurement process through the Request For Information phase, where interventions can be considered and fully integrated into the final publishing of the BESS.