The Barbados Perspective of a Hydrogen Economy Presenter: Hugh Sealy, Ph.D., P.Eng. Chairman National Commission on Sustainable Development
Country Profile Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, approximately 300 miles (483 Km) north east of the coast of Venezuela. Barbados is approximately 166 square miles (431 sq. km) with an estimated population of 272,000. Barbados maritime jurisdiction has recently been confirmed to cover approximately 200 nautical square miles, which may include up to 60,000 sq. km of sub marine shelf.
Energy Data for Barbados 240 MW of installed generating capacity 8,500 barrels of oil used per day Electricity usage increasing by 4% per year 831,000 megawatt hours generated in 2005
Energy and the Economy 6000 5000 GDP ($ Millions) 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year Figure 1.1: rgdp of the Barbados Economy 1995-2004
1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2005 2003 2001 1999 1997 1995 1993 1991 1989 1987 1985 1983 Year Figure 1.2: Per capita Energy Consumption in Barbados (1983-2005) Toe/Population ('000 persons)
2004 16.00 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 0.00 2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988 1986 1984 1982 1980 Year Figure 1.3: Petroleum as a Percentage of Barbados Import Bill Percent of Import Bill
2004* 2003 2002 2001 2000 85.00 80.00 75.00 70.00 65.00 60.00 Energy Intensity (TOE/GDP) 55.00 50.00 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Year Figure 1.4: Energy Intensity Data for Barbados
6% 7% 15% 34% 23% Hotel Commercial Public Domestic Industrial Other 15% Figure 1.6: Electricity Usage by Sector for 2004
Energy and the Environment August and September 2006 were the hottest months ever recorded in Barbados The island is listed as one of the 15 most water scarce countries in the world. Sea-level rise and changing precipitation levels will increase water stress. There is also increased vulnerability to hurricanes and storm surges with the majority of the population and infrastructure, including electricity generation located on the coast.
Barbados Energy Policy Objectives The provision of adequate and affordable energy to all sectors of society as a prerequisite for a decent quality of life. Maximisation of the efficiency of energy use in production, storage, distribution and end-use. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels with more emphasis on renewable energy technologies as the primary energy sources. Use of an integrated mix of regulation, economic and market- oriented approaches to promote competition within both the petroleum and electricity sectors and to promote the best industrial and environmental practices.
Objectives Cont. Promotion of research and development in energy efficiency, oil and gas exploration and renewable energy technology. Increased exploration for oil and gas resources and usage of found resources in such a manner as to ensure at least 50% transfer of known reserves of fossil fuels to the next generation. Increased private sector participation in a competitive energy sector. The national energy policy will reflect the inputs of the major stakeholders and will be accessible to all.
The Role of Hydrogen It is noted that some territories in the Caribbean have potential geothermal energy and would be very interested in the Icelandic model. However, Barbados does not have any apparent geothermal potential but would be interested in supporting research into the application of other renewable energy technologies such as Solar, or Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as the primary energy source used to produce hydrogen.
Research Areas of Interest Hydrogen as a transportation fuel, Barbados has over 110,000 vehicles on its roads. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for fishing vessels would also be of interest. Current policy is to pursue the production and use of ethanol (from sugar cane) to blend with gasoline (initially at 10%). Electricity generation by hydrogen combustion in converted combined cycle gas turbines. It is anticipated that ~ 70% of electricity generation in Barbados will be by natural gas fired CCGT by 2025. If hydrogen production by renewable energy becomes feasible, Barbados would be interested in converting its existing generating plant.
Areas of Interest Cont. Use of hydrogen for domestic energy consumption. In Barbados, natural gas is distributed via pipeline to households and commercial establishments, essentially for use as a fuel for cooking. If the storage and distribution of hydrogen becomes economically viable, Barbados may be interested in research and development of technology allowing the conversion of natural gas distribution networks to use for the distribution of hydrogen.
Areas of Interest Cont. Research into the microbial production of hydrogen.