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Column: Embracing Bermuda’s energy future

Umito October 28, 2024

(Column written by Stratton Hatfield)

As Bermuda finds itself at the crossroads of a sustainable energy future, every voice counts in shaping the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This upcoming IRP will define the path we take towards a more efficient Bermuda, influencing the types of energy we rely on, the costs of electricity and the impact we have on our environment for decades to come. This is a rare opportunity to take action for a future we all believe in, and Bermuda residents have the power to help guide this journey toward sustainability and energy justice.

Imagine a Bermuda powered by clean, renewable energy, with no need to rely on expensive and polluting fossil fuels. Imagine that our homes, our businesses, our schools and our essential services all draw their energy from sources that preserve our beautiful island and our beautiful planet rather than harm it. Think about the difference this will make to our children, our economy and our environment. This is within our reach, but it requires commitment, vision and the courage to choose a path that is both progressive and sensible.

The IRP is not just a plan; it’s an opportunity for the people of Bermuda to encourage what Bermuda’s energy future should look like. While the current project is a good start, there is room to strengthen Bermuda’s clean energy strategy, avoiding costly or outdated technologies.

Here are some recommendations that could improve Bermuda’s journey towards sustainability and which you can endorse in your submission to the IRP consultation which is due by October 31, 2024:

1. Prioritize low-emission renewable energy sources: The IRP includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a potential energy source, but LNG may not align with long-term decarbonization goals of Bermuda. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “renewable energy sources like offshore wind power are expected to be among the cheapest and most environmentally beneficial options for islands and coastal communities” (IEA, 2023). Offshore wind power and expanded solar arrays, which are proven technology, could better serve Bermuda by capitalizing on our island’s unique natural resources.

2. Embrace solar parking lots, solar water catchments, and solar on industrial roofs: Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests that solar panels on parking lots and industrial roofs are cost-effective and reduce environmental impact by reusing existing structures (LBNL, 2022). These decentralized options, in addition to the use of large watersheds such as those in St. Davids, could allow Bermuda to increase its renewable capacity without sacrificing Bermuda’s natural landscapes and have been shown to be effective in reducing reliance on water. towards large-scale projects with extensive new infrastructure.

3. Encourage energy efficiency measures in new construction: Many countries have successfully implemented mandatory requirements for energy-efficient appliances and building standards, thereby reducing overall demand and construction costs. ‘electricity. In a recent analysis, the World Resources Institute highlighted that energy efficiency standards in building codes significantly reduce energy demand, providing sustainable savings to residents and the grid as a whole (WRI, 2022) . Implementing similar measures could ensure that new buildings in Bermuda are future-proof and compatible with solar PV systems, battery storage and electric vehicles over time.

4. Integrate smart electric vehicle (EV) charging: As adoption of electric vehicles grows, Bermuda’s grid will need to adapt. According to a recent Rocky Mountain Institute study, “Bi-directional electric vehicle charging allows electric vehicles to act as grid assets, stabilizing demand while improving resiliency and reducing costs for consumers and utilities.” (RMI, 2023). Enabling this capacity in Bermuda would help better manage increased energy load and renewable energy intermittency while supporting our transition to renewable energy.

5. Consider community-friendly energy policies: The Bermuda IRP could support policies that make solar energy accessible to all. Changing restrictions on property connectivity, for example, would allow neighbors and communities to share solar energy – an approach that has proven effective in countries like Germany, where community solar has played a role. a key role in increasing the adoption of renewable energy (Fraunhofer Institute, 2023). Updating the “anti-wheeling” policy, which currently prevents solar customers from selling their excess electricity, would encourage broader use of solar power, making it more affordable for families and businesses. Finally, rolling out a long-term stable feed-in tariff would build investor confidence and ensure people have a reliable, stable rate to account for the ROI and IRR of clean energy.

6. Invest in waste-to-energy solutions: The IRP could integrate biogas production through anaerobic digestion, using Bermuda’s food and horticultural waste to produce renewable energy. This innovative approach would make it possible to manage horticultural waste while contributing to our energy mix. For example, a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights how waste-to-energy models can reduce landfill use while generating renewable and valuable energy (EMF, 2023).

7. Increase transparency in renewable energy development: Bermuda residents deserve to know how renewable energy projects are progressing. The proposed IRP aims to achieve 85% renewable energy by 2040. The public is not aware of how much renewable energy we currently have, nor does it know what targets we seek to achieve. reach each year to reach 85%. Greater transparency in reporting will keep the public informed about the progress of renewable energy deployment and the extent to which we align with the IRP’s goals. The Caribbean Development Bank notes that “transparency and regular reporting on progress on renewable energy builds public confidence and encourages investment” (CDB, 2022), which will be vital to Bermuda’s energy transition .

This is a critical opportunity for our community to lead Bermuda towards a sustainable and resilient future. Imagine our island as a global example of small communities coming together to fight the climate crisis and reduce the cost of living and doing business. Imagine being part of a generation that chose to protect Bermuda’s environment for our children, our economy and our way of life.

I encourage you to submit your response to the Regulator’s IRP consultation by Thursday 31 October 2024 and make your voice heard. If any of these recommendations inspire you, consider including it in your submission.

Here is a link to the consultation. Click here

– Stratton Hatfield is Director of Sales and Marketing at BE Solar and Co-Chair of the Energy Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce. He holds a master’s degree in sustainability, entrepreneurship and design and a certificate from Harvard Business School Online in sustainable business strategy.