Rum and Sargassum’s ongoing research into the production of fossil fuel free compressed natural gas as an alternative fuel for transportation in Barbados continues to draw interest from Caribbean-based professionals in climate change circles.
The Bio-CNG could address Barbados’ need to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with its transport sector. The country aims to transition fully to renewable energy by 2030.
“The research into biofuels is not new in the region, but the context to adapt Sargassum as part of the mix is a good, novel approach. It provides a free resource, rids the environment of a persistent problem, and, potentially, may reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the transport sector,” noted Dr Orville Grey, former senior technical officer for adaptation with the Climate Change Division, now with the Green Climate Fund.
“For the Caribbean, diversity in fuels is always a plus. We import fossil fuels in large amounts for the most part, with the exception of a few countries. Any mix will offer us advantages from cushions against market volatility in fossil fuel supplies to reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. It also provides a good opportunity to diversify the economy and provide some buffer,” he added.
