Young people have an opportunity to share their ideas and solutions on how to promote sustainable energy in Barbados and, by extension, the globe.
The Ministry of Energy and Business is hosting a Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge for students 15 to 19 years old, who attend public and private secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, except universities. They are required to submit a business plan for the creative use of the recently renovated Solar House in Queen’s Park.
In giving the rationale for the challenge, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Keisha Reid, said it is designed to raise awareness among students about the importance and use of sustainable energy technologies in our daily lives.
“The objective of this challenge is to encourage collaboration and creativity among the country’s youth by encouraging them to prepare a business plan for the Solar House, which is a demonstration project highlighting energy efficiency and sustainable energy technologies,” Ms. Reid explained.
The challenge is divided into three categories – Fifth form, Sixth form and Tertiary institutions except universities. Students must present their work as a group of three persons or less, and no individual submissions will be accepted. Each group is permitted to submit only one entry and students are not allowed to participate in more than one group.
All work must be original and free from plagiarism. Each group should be guided by a member of the school’s teaching staff, who will serve as the focal point.
The deadline for submission of the business plan is Friday, February 14, 2025. Proposals must be emailed to energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb with the subject heading “Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge”, or delivered to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Business, Trinity Business Centre, Country Road, St. Michael.
For additional information on the challenge, students may call 535-2553 or 535-2582, email energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb, or visit the Ministry’s website.
The Solar House, which was officially opened in June 2007, is a government initiative designed to highlight the integrative building design approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2024, the Solar House was extensively renovated, and a new hybrid photovoltaic system installed. (PR/GIS)
