Barbados is charting a pioneering path within the realm of compressed natural gas (CNG) transport after it unveiled the world’s first vehicle powered from Sargassum seaweed, rum distillery wastewater and Blackbelly sheep manure.
The groundbreaking renewable project was recently showcased at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus and came in for a strong commendation.
Minister of Energy Lisa Cummins, who was among the officials present at the car’s recent underscored the significance of diversifying investments in renewable energy beyond “traditional solar.”
Minister Cummins also noted the opportunity created by Sargassum’s repurposing into a valuable asset for Barbados’ renewable energy transition.
The vehicle was met with enthusiastic applause as it was driven for several minutes during its debut at Guinea Plantation in St. John.
This project is the result of extensive research by scientists at The UWI Cave Hill, in collaboration with Rum and Sargassum Inc. and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados, the University posted on its website.
“The car belongs to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE),” the website stated, adding that it “is now being used as the flagship vehicle of the project and bears the branding “Runs on Sargassum” emblazoned on the trunk.”
The minister shared that the breakthrough should be seen as more than a national achievement but as a regional and global model for innovative opportunity.
She also noted that the development showcased Barbados and The UWI’s capacity to be a leading player in the renewable energy sector and should not be underestimated.
“Barbados has pioneered a technology and an innovation that has the ability to change the way in which this entire Caribbean space treats to transportation and I want Barbados to not take that for granted,” Cummins added.
