According to The Bahamas' National Energy Policy 2013-2033, a renewable energy target of 30 percent by 2030 has already been established by the government. As country officials across the globe gather in Bonn, Germany to discuss their nation's commitments to reducing carbon emissions, mitigation technologies - including renewable energy forms such as solar energy - will be crucial in addressing the future of decarbonization. Together, their (anticipated) domestic targets are expected to form the base of a new climate change agreement at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) later in December this year.
Toward the end of last year's UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, our government signed itself to a 20MW solar project across select Family Islands as part of the Carbon War Room's Ten Island Challenge. The project itself is part of a larger initiative by the non-profit in assisting islands across the Caribbean in their transition to renewable technologies. Frequently in the space of such international climate conferences, island nations have raised their concerns for the two barriers to fully achieving this kind of shift: funding and capacity-building. As we head into the inter-sessional meetings before COP21 this year, developing partnerships like this is a crucial step in the strengthening and resilience of our islands in the future.
Despite the significantly lower carbon emissions of island nations in comparison to those contributed by larger developed countries, it is recognized that islands continue to face uncertainties regarding their energy security as a result of their heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels such as oil and its derivatives.
The inequity of this situation is something that is also incorporated in the structure of the UNFCCC and was touched upon during Prime Minister Perry Christie's remarks at the recent Caribbean-France Regional Summit on Preparation and Mobilization for COP21 in his role as chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Presently, several legislative reforms have been initiated in the passing of amendments to the Electricity Act and regulations on renewable energy accounting for the installation and regulation of persons operating renewable systems. Earlier this month, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) opened its registration of persons with off-grid and grid-tied systems as part of its Renewable Energy Self Generation Program and assessment of already existing sources of renewable energy.
Depending on location, it is projected that BEC customers will be able to contribute anywhere between 1kw to 5kw for residences customers, and 5kw to 50kw for its commercial customers, with bill adjustments reflecting their various levels of output to the grid. In the context of the government's near billion-dollar expenditure on oil imports each year, investing in renewables like solar poses significant long-term benefits, both economically and socially.
Looking ahead to the necessary steps for making our National Energy Policy a reality, the involvement of local communities and businesses is crucial for the longevity of such a historic endeavor. At the educational level, reinstating trade or training programs for renewables will play an important role in the installation and maintenance of such technologies. Government involvement in educating the public and raising awareness on the relevance of this transition and its impact on consumers will also play a significant part in enhancing the cooperation required to achieve this process.
Accessibility to renewables by the public will perhaps be one of the most significant hurdles, however, in meeting the government's renewable target of 30 percent in time. Particularly in the case of residences and small businesses, financial schemes to homeowners and businesses will need to be established. In the absence of fiscal schemes such as income tax, alternative revenues - in the form of energy surcharges and payment of value-added tax (VAT) currently being collected, could be applied towards investing in renewable infrastructure on a more local level. With the current elimination of duties, micro-loans towards the purchase of solar heaters, solar installations or connection to the grid, for example, could be one of the ways to create better engagement and inclusiveness of the population at large.
Finally, with an estimated 83 percent of the population reliant on the electricity generated by BEC, consistency and reliability are key. A fully implemented Freedom of Information Act is crucial to ensuring the proper functioning and accountability of BEC as a statutorily created body. Transparency regarding its liabilities and implementation of finances - especially in the case of development funds received - will be vital in securing both the public's confidence and overall project success in the years to come.
With the approaching UNFCCC COP21, self-initiatives like these set the stage for island nations such as The Bahamas to demonstrate their commitment and achievement of a more responsible and equitable future.
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