Barbados is championing the critical role of youth in renewable energy discussions, a stance prominently highlighted at the 2025 Sustainable Energy for All Forum in St. Lucia. Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, underscored this priority during her participation, reflecting a broader regional commitment to engaging the next generation, as also seen in events like the 2025 Heroes of Energy Youth Forum in Trinidad and Tobago.
Strategic Partnerships for Barbados youth renewable energy
The forum in St. Lucia, a collaborative effort by the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Barbados-based UN Resident Coordinator Office, served as a crucial nexus for progress. It brought together a diverse group of government officials, private sector representatives, development finance institutions, and international organizations to chart a course forward.
Senator Cummins emphasized that strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of the Caribbean’s transition to 100% renewable energy. She articulated that such collaborations are not just beneficial but are absolutely vital for both Barbados’ ambitious energy transition and its long-term economic development.
Financing the Barbados youth renewable energy Transition
A significant portion of the forum’s discussions revolved around the challenges and opportunities in energy finance. Senator Cummins highlighted the centrality of financing in achieving the region’s energy goals, noting that Barbados has already made significant strides in securing the necessary capital for its transition. Understanding the financial scope is key, from national grid upgrades to the specifics of a solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown.
“Access to energy finance is a critical aspect of our development pathway, and we have already been able to secure critical financing for our energy transition,” she stated. “However, as we undertake this transition, we can’t ignore the critical need for capacity building, particularly for our youth.”
Empowering Barbados youth in renewable energy
Reiterating her central message, Senator Cummins stressed the urgent need for greater youth involvement in the renewable energy sector. Citing a recent survey that revealed significant interest among young people, she called for the expansion of training programs and workshops. These initiatives are essential to equip youth with the practical skills required for meaningful employment in this burgeoning field. This includes everything from the basics of solar panel manufacturing to a comprehensive understanding of the entire solar panel manufacturing process.
“Training programmes, workshops, and other initiatives that provide our youth with the knowledge and skills to participate fully in this sector are critical,” she pointed out. “We must empower our young people to address climate change and contribute to our renewable energy transition.” This commitment is demonstrated through active participation in platforms designed to inspire young energy leaders, such as the Heroes of Energy Youth Forum.
Barbados’ Commitment to Renewable Energy
Barbados is firmly committed to achieving energy security, setting an ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. To realize this vision, the government has implemented a suite of incentives, including tax deductions and duty-free concessions, to encourage investment in renewable energy technologies. This support helps drive innovation in the sector, covering the complex supply chains for solar panel raw materials and the acquisition of sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines.
The Barbados Light and Power Company Limited (BLPC) is a key partner in this transition, having launched initiatives like the Renewable Energy Rider (RER) program. This program allows customers to connect their renewable energy systems to the grid and receive credits for any excess energy they generate. Furthermore, the Clean Energy Bridge Program (CEBP) provides crucial financial support for renewable energy projects.
Driving this agenda forward, organizations like the Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) and the Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL) are actively promoting renewable energy education and spearheading projects, further cementing the island’s journey toward a sustainable energy future.
By integrating youth empowerment with strategic policy and investment, Barbados is not only working towards its own energy goals but also setting a powerful example for the entire Caribbean region. To learn more about the technical foundations of this growing industry, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
