Barbados
Green Hydrogen Vision
Barbados envisions green hydrogen as a cornerstone of its sustainable energy future, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources to produce clean hydrogen for domestic use and potential export. The country aims to integrate green hydrogen into sectors like transportation, power generation, and industry, supporting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. By fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and creating an enabling regulatory framework, Barbados aspires to position itself as a leader in green hydrogen in the Caribbean, driving economic growth and enhancing energy security while contributing to global climate resilience.
National Strategy
The Government of Barbados has set a 100% renewable energy target by 2030.
Project Spotlight
The Renewstable Barbados (RSB) project, a joint initiative by Barbados, the EU, and French company HDF Energy, is the first power production facility using green hydrogen to be developed in the Eastern Caribbean. It is located at Harrow Plantation in St. Philips, Barbados. RSB aims to integrate solar power with on-site green hydrogen storage to provide a reliable, stable, and clean electricity supply to Barbados.
RSB plans to provide firm capacity of 13 MW, increasing the locally sources renewable energy penetration by over 60%. The electricity delivered will come from a 50 MWp solar photovoltaic plant combined with an energy storage system using hydrogen technologies for long term storage and a battery system for short term storage. Once operational, the project aims to produce 600 tons of green hydrogen per year and supply power to 50,000 Barbadians.
Capacity Targets
RSB aims to produce 600 tons of green hydrogen per year.
Impact Targets
No impact targets stated yet.
Policies
- The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) has partnered with Seabased Group by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to construct a wave power park, supporting Barbados' initiative to promote green hydrogen research and development. The goal is for Barbados to emerge as the foremost Caribbean entity championing the green hydrogen transition. Signed on June 7th, 2024, the MOU details the creation of a 2-megawatt (MW) pilot wave power park, which is set to grow to 10 MW or more. This facility will contribute to the BIDC's green hydrogen operations.
- HDF Energy (Hydrogène de France), a world leader in hydrogen energy solutions, has launched its latest office in Barbados, marked by a ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony at its Hastings location. Thus expansion positions Barbados as a regional centre for green hydrogen development. It highlights the company's dedication to bolstering regional initiatives that improve energy security, access climate financing, and hasten the shift towards low-carbon, green energy systems throughout the Caribbean.
Financing
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the IFC are working together on a proposed investment aimed at enhancing the resilience of Barbados' energy grid, especially during severe rain, tropical storms, or hurricanes. During its board meeting in 2023, GCF approved up to $41 million in blended concessional financing to back IFC's proposed investment in RenewStable Barbados, a 50 MW solar generation facility featuring green hydrogen and lithium-ion battery storage to supply clean and stable electricity to the Barbadian grid.
Government Green Hydrogen Lead
Senator Lisa R. Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business