Disaster Risk and Energy Access Management (DREAM) project

The main objective of this project was to reduce GHG emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation by demonstrating the exploitation of renewable energy resources for electricity generation in Barbados and strengthening the country’s Disaster Risk Response (DRR),

The DREAM Project has 3 components:

Component 1 addressed gaps in the renewable energy policy framework. The activities in this component supported the formulation of a clear policy and regulatory framework for renewable energy generation. It also included technical capacity building within the Ministry to improve their ability to provide oversight to the future energy sector.

Key results and achievements under this component included:

1. Development of the framework for an electronic Enterprise Content Management system for the Ministry. This basically reviewed and mapped the Ministry’s present processes, identified redundancies and inefficiencies and made recommendations to improve their way of doing business. This was the first step necessary in moving from a paper-based environment to an electronic/digital environment. This was the first step required for reducing the time required to process renewable energy licences.
2. Training of 10 persons in Grid Modelling and 19 persons in Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, with a view to incorporate these skills in the new licensing regime.
3. Development of a new utility scale generation licence application form and terms and conditions.
4. Provided technical support, through consultancies and knowledge sharing workshop with regional experts, to the Ministry of Energy as they prepared to enter into negotiations with the public utility (BL&PC) for renewal of their franchise.

Together these activities sought to support the transformation of the energy sector in Barbados from one that is centred on fossil fuels with one dominant player, to an energy sector that is diversified with respect to energy sources and energy suppliers alike.

Component 2 focused on clean energy capacity development. This component was intended to build capacity in Barbados to plan, design, implement, operate and maintain RE projects.

Key results and achievements under this component included:

1. The development of an interactive game that can be used to make learning about RE fun and interesting. The game can be adapted to all competency levels and is particularly attractive to young persons.
2. Development of a Level 1 National Vocational Qualification in solar PV installation. This training had no entry pre-requisites and was offered at community/resource centres.
3. Provided training for 13 candidates, as a pilot, in this Level 1 NVQ in solar PV installation.
4. Provided job attachments/internships upon successfully completion of the NVQ, through private sector engagement.
5. Developed and hosted 2 energy expos that supported collaboration with the private sector, to make information on RE technology, financing and education more accessible to the general public.
6. Developed information posters on the benefits and options of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV systems. These were disseminated to the community / resource centres and pavilions.

Together the activities in this component encouraged the uptake of RE by Barbadians of all ages. It also supported the increased technical capacity that will be needed with an increased uptake of RE.

Component 3 aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of solar PV while improving the disaster resilience of Barbadian communities.

Key results and achievements under this component included:

1. Developed procurement documents – PV tender documents, specifications, evaluation templates – for the procurement of solar PV systems.
2. Developed site inspection templates to be used to for monitoring and quality assurance purposes during installation.
3. Improved existing contract documents to include the nuances of solar PV installation, inspections and approval processes.
4. These documents have been adopted by the Ministry.
5. Developed and hosted information seminars to beneficiaries of PV systems to promote buy-in and support sustainability of project outputs.
6. Installation of 178kWp of solar PV which will produce over 800kWh clean energy annually and save approximately 0.7 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.
7. 37 first response locations (Community Centres, Resource Centres, Pavilions and Polyclinics) outfitted with clean energy systems with battery back-up. These locations will be supplied with clean energy after a disaster or when the grid is down.
8. PV monitoring app that can be used to collect and analyze PV systems data. This data can be used to generate energy statistics, monitor solar PV system performance and keep track of the solar PV systems being installed in Barbados.