Barbados has unveiled its first vehicle powered by bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG) derived from sargassum seaweed, rum distillery wastewater, and Blackbelly sheep manure. This innovative initiative aims to address environmental challenges posed by sargassum accumulation on beaches and promote sustainable energy solutions.
The project is a collaboration between Rum and Sargassum Inc., a local biofuel company, and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus. Dr. Legena Henry, CEO and founder of Rum and Sargassum Inc., emphasized the potential of this technology to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted that the Bio-CNG is produced from locally sourced waste materials, offering an affordable and renewable energy source for transportation.
The launch event featured a test drive of the Bio-CNG vehicle, showcasing its viability as a clean energy alternative. The project has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), which provided the use of an electric car for the demonstration. The vehicle now serves as the flagship model for the initiative, bearing the slogan "Runs on Sargassum."
Looking ahead, the team plans to establish a network of biogas stations across the island, allowing motorists to refuel with Bio-CNG in a manner similar to conventional gas stations. This development represents a significant step towards achieving Barbados' goal of becoming a 100% renewable energy and carbon-neutral island state by 2030.
By transforming sargassum, a previously problematic seaweed, into a valuable resource, this project exemplifies innovative approaches to environmental sustainability and energy independence.