The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the EU are supporting Barbados in implementing renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency measures to be carried out by government agencies.
Part of the funding will also go towards raising public awareness and supporting training programmes for technicians and professionals.
28 June 2012: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has provided Barbados with a US$17 million loan to support its Public Sector Smart Energy program, which will be co-financed by a €5.8 million EU grant.
This program is designed to create and implement renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency measures to be carried out by government agencies. Such measures will aid in the ongoing process of cutting energy costs and reducing dependence on imported fuel in Barbados. The Smart Energy program plans to achieve these goals through replacing public street lights with energy efficient lamps, installing solar power systems in at least 12 government buildings, and supporting the use of energy efficient technology in the public sector. Part of the funding will also go towards raising public awareness and supporting training programmes for technicians and professionals. [IDB Press Release]