Bahamas Eco-Forum

Wind Could Power Entire US, Report Says

Contributed by Damien Gomez

Offshore wind resources could generate as much electricity as the current capacity of all power plants in the United States combined, according to a new report entitled "A Framework for Offshore Wind Energy Development in the United States", sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and General Electric.

The report finds the greatest wind power potential offshore the highly-populated urban coastal areas of the northeast and it recognizes the role of the Cape Cod wind project in setting a precedent for the development of offshore wind power in the United States.

                                                          

A Solar Power Example for Nassau

Contributed by Mike Russell

Here is some advice from a resident who has partly achieved a renewable energy lifestyle. He wishes to remain anonymous as it is still illegal to generate your own power in the Bahamas:

Solar panels in the US are around $4/Watt.  On a big purchase, you can get them down to around $3.75, but I have rarely seen them lower than that. You have to add the cost of shipping - about $500 per pallet for 20 panels).  There is no import duty on solar systems in the Bahamas, only stamp tax, but this may be contested.

There are many brands of solar water heaters on the market and all of them are pretty good.  I would stick to a US-made system with an insulated tank. There are lots of Chinese systems available but their quality is often questionable, although the price is a lot better. 

Laws to Mandate Solar Water Heaters

by Larry Smith

In the 1970s, Barbados made a policy decision to support solar water heating manufacturers. This included incentives on imports, tax rebates and a mandate that all government-owned facilities have solar water heating systems.

Today, 70 per cent of all buildings in Barbados are heated by solar (including hotels) and 60 per cent of solar water heaters are produced locally.

America's New Energy Law Could Give Ideas for Bahamas Strategy

by Larry Smith

Recent American efforts to address energy issues offer some useful examples for the Bahamas, which has yet to formulate its own energy policy.

The US Energy Independence and Security Act, which became law in December, mandates measures to improve energy efficiency, vehicle fuel economy and increase the use of alternative fuels.

Waste-to-Energy Projects Touted for Bahamas

by Larry Smith

One technology that could solve a range of environmental problems at the same time is the production of energy from garbage.

At least two firms are pursuing multi-million-dollar, waste-to-energy projects with the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for solid waste collection and disposal.

Florida Energy Plans Unveiled

by Larry Smith

Florida Power & Light - one of the largest utilities in the United States - recently unveiled its 10-year energy plan. It combines more generating capacity with aggressive conservation programmes that the utility says will avoid the need to build four medium-sized power plants. 

FPL currently serves 4.5 million customers in 35 counties in south and northeastern Florida. The company says it will need an extra 5,600 megawatts of power, or an increase of about 25 per cent, to meet rising demand through 2017.