The Transition to a Renewable Energy Electric Grid in the Caribbean Island Nation of Antigua and Barbuda

The Transition to a Renewable Energy Electric Grid in the Caribbean Island Nation of Antigua and Barbuda

Presenter(s)

Patrick Hoody

Comments

Presentation: 1:00-1:20 p.m., Kennedy Union 311

Description

Most nations in the Caribbean rely largely on fossil fuels, specifically diesel, for power generation. The dual-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda does not differ in any manner from this, relying for 93% of its electricity on diesel generated electricity. Although small island states are responsible for only a vanishingly small amount of historical greenhouse gas emissions, as climate change continues to increase in severity, it is important for all nations to address the root of the issue by decreasing their carbon footprints. Fossil fuel prices have also been rising for some time, and there is little chance that this trend will stop. It will be beneficial to nations such as Antigua and Barbuda to transition to renewable energy to decrease electricity prices and help the fight against climate change. Nations in the Caribbean heavily favor renewables that rely on solar energy because of the daily sunshine all year long. The renewable energy technologies that are most economical and favorable to the region include wind energy and both solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP). This latter technology has rarely been considered for the region but could represent an important option. A model was developed to determine how much of certain technologies would be needed if the energy sector were to be redesigned and to be reliant on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. This new system will also require energy storage such as utility-scale batteries and thermal storage used with CSP. Different combinations of technologies can accomplish this, but finding the best for each nation is the main purpose of this model.

Publication Date

4-19-2023

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Robert Brecha, Andrew Chiasson

Primary Advisor's Department

Hanley Sustainability Institute

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship; Vocation; Critical Evaluation of Our Times

The Transition to a Renewable Energy Electric Grid in the Caribbean Island Nation of Antigua and Barbuda

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