Opinions
Monte Pratt: The challenges of Renewable Energy in the Bahamas
By Monte A. Pratt
Oct 6, 2017 - 1:48:26 AM


Over The Last 5-years, There Has Been A Lot Of 'Novice' Discussions On Radio Talk-shows And In Social Media About How Much Sunshine And Breeze That The Bahamas Has. And The Fact We Need To Embrace Solar And Wind Energy Technology To Reduce Energy Cost. But What About The Challenges That These Solar And Wind Energy Utilities Face?

First Of All, None Of These 'Novice Advisors' Noted The Fact That The Bahamas Is Located In 'The Heart Of The Hurricane Belt'. Secondly, None Of These 'Novice Advisors' Noted The Fact That The Bahamas (Every Island) Was Hit By 3 Major Hurricanes In The Last 3 Consecutive Years And Also Has Suffered 8 Major Hurricanes Since August 1992.

The Facts Are Because Both Solar And Wind Energy Farms Must Operate In A Wide Open Field, Will Become Quite Vulnerable Being In The Path Of Any Major Hurricane. This Factor Should Be A Major Consideration When The 'Pros' & 'Cons' Of Embracing Solar And Wind Energy Technology To Reduce Energy Cost Are Being Held In Discussions.

It Is More Than Likely Insurance Companies Will Shy Away From Insuring Solar And Wind Energy Farms Being Quite Vulnerable Being In The Heart Of 'The Hurricane Belt'. As There is NO WAY To Protect These Solar And Wind Energy Utilities. Most Countries Does Not Have This Challenge. Without Insurance, 'Project Financing' Will Be A Challenge.

Hence The More Important Question Is: 'Considering The Factors Noted Above, Should The Bahamas Substantially Invest In Mega Solar And Wind Energy Farms?' (See Photos Below Of Puerto Rico's Solar And Wind Energy Farms In The Aftermath of Hurricane Maria.) Some Thing To Think About!!

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