Good morning,

I work in renewable energy at Barbados National Oil Company Limited. As a result, I have had to review different energy opportunities. When the sargassum influx first became an issue, I mentioned that the odour of the seaweed was suggestive that its content was similar to some types of animal manure. I was tasked to do a brief desktop study in collaboration with one of the technocrats in the Division of Energy and found that my assertion was correct. As a result, sargassum is likely an appropriate substrate for biogas digestion. Testing at the UWI Renewable Energy Lab should confirm the optimum conditions for digestion as well as any additions that might optimize gas harvest. (Testing of substrates is necessary to confirm the mixture required for commercial production.)

A commercial plant could be deployed by BNOCL, the employees of which are experienced in natural gas processsing and handling, biogas being primarily methane ie natural gas. The optimal location would be close to the existing natural gas compression station, which is surrounded by cane fields. Appropriate containment and handling should minimize the annoyance to any neighbours, which are separated from the plant by the fields.

Additional substrate could be accommodated and will be necessary due to the seasonal nature of the sargassum influx. Potential substrates include pig, chicken and other animal manures, which tend to cause annoyance to residents living close to farms. Management of the manure could reduce the impact of these activities on the communities close by.

Addition of a commercial biogas facility can improve Barbados’s competitiveness and environmental profile by decreasing dependence on fuel imports, displacing waste from landfills and increasing use of renewable energy. Local production also enhances energy security and increases local jobs, with increased employment required for trucking of substrate and plant operation.

Should you have further questions, feel free to contact me at this address. Also, do note that I have training and experience in photovoltaic and electric systems design and installation and I am also a Certified Energy Manager. As such I am trained to recognize, scope and plan the deployment of energy conservation and production projects.

Regards,

Felicia Cox
Comptia A+ 2006 Certified
MIT Alumna (M.Eng. '06 [Electrical Engineering & Computer Science], S.B. '02 [Electrical Sciences & Engineering])