Panel Discussion

Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 57:07 .

Barbados' Renewable Energy Ambitions Face Storage and Supply Chain Hurdles Despite Solar PV Success, Says Minister Lisa Cummins

The provided context introduces a panel of distinguished experts in the fields of energy, trade, and international development. Among them is Senator Honourable Lisa R. Cummins, a seasoned diplomat currently serving as Barbados' Minister of Energy and Business Development. Other notable figures include Daniela Krahl from Germany's BMZ focusing on renewable energy in developing countries; Michael Schmidt from UNIDO’s ITPO with extensive experience in international business investment; Dr. Hamed Beheshti, CEO and co-founder of Boreal Light specializing in solar desalination systems for remote regions; and David Wedepohl overseeing global activities at the German Solar Association. Lisa R. Cummins discusses Barbados' ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets which began gaining momentum since 2016, particularly noting their success with solar PV exceeding projections by 2023. However, she highlights significant challenges such as unmet wind power targets and crucially insufficient battery storage capacity – only having achieved five megawatts thus far despite needing much more to stabilize the grid and support additional solar projects currently awaiting connection. She emphasizes that while policy frameworks are robust following updates like their recent IRRP approval process, supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 have hampered progress significantly.

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Speaker

David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany

Michael Schmidt
Deputy Head
UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office Germany
Germany

Daniela Krahl
Senior Policy Officer
BMZ - Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
Germany

Lisa R. Cummins
Minister of Energy and Business
Government of Barbados
Barbados

Dr. Hamed Beheshti
Co-founder & CEO
Boreal Light GmbH
Germany

Talk of session: Off-Grid: Pioneering 100% Renewables: Opportunities and Challenges of Off-Grid in Island and Remote Environments

Small islands and remote areas contend with heightened costs in energy and its access, water, and waste, exacerbated by climate change. Scaling renewables, creating decentralized smart grids, and integrating storage solutions emerge as pivotal strategies to bolster resilience and spur socio-economic development. Islands and remote areas, serving as testbeds, exemplify the feasibility of decarbonization. This panel discussion provides a platform to delve into these specific insights from islands and remote areas, shedding light on the transformative role of renewables in empowering communities, accelerating transitions, and serving as models for sustainable development.