Rum and Sargassum Inc., an area deep-tech start-up, and The College of the West Indies Cave Hill campus have launched the primary car powered by bio-compressed pure fuel (CNG).
The bio-CNG makes use of rum distillery wastewater and a sargassum-based biomethane, an progressive gasoline supply derived from the invasive seaweed which is plaguing the area’s coasts.
The seasonal problem posed by sargassum on the island’s seashores is now being became a beneficial useful resource because the nation seeks to realize its objective of changing into a 100 per cent renewable power and carbon-neutral island state by 2030. The challenge, spearheaded by Rum and Sargassum Inc., is an achievement for sustainable improvement within the Caribbean, due to companions just like the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Vitality and Vitality Effectivity (CCREEE).
Dr. Legena Henry and her crew from the Renewable Vitality Improvement Laboratory on the Cave Hill Campus are the innovators of the biomethane gasoline. Talking in the course of the launch of the car, she mentioned, “UWI Cave Hill Campus is actually an incubator for creativity and innovation. Why I have a good time Cave Hill a lot is as a result of Barbados is a artistic society, and we’re main the area proper now within the power transition.”
Moreover, she drew consideration to the contributions from The CCREEE, stating that the regional physique has been extremely supportive of the challenge. Dr. Henry famous that the launch of the bio-CNG car wouldn’t have been attainable with out The CCREEE, which supplied the usage of its electrical automobile for the take a look at drive. It’s now the flagship car bearing the slogan ‘Runs on Sargassum’.
Constructing on this success, Dr. Henry additionally outlined the following section of the challenge, which includes establishing a biogas station. She mentioned they at present have a small station on the Guinea Property on 4 acres of agricultural land and described it as an ideal instance of the round nature of this course of. She defined that “the digestate feeds the land, however the fuel fuels automobiles,” making a sustainable answer that advantages each agriculture and transportation.
In his remarks, Professor Clive Landis, Principal and Professional-Vice Chancellor of The UWI Cave Hill, praised Dr. Henry for embodying Cave Hill’s mission to “create worth from concepts.” His feedback got here as he steered that Dr. Henry’s work represents the following section of The UWI’s technique to evolve into an entrepreneurial college able to leveraging analysis excellence to learn society.
“Dr Henry is, firstly, leveraging her analysis on easy methods to convert sargassum into biofuel to create worth in society by tackling this pernicious environmental scourge,” Professor Landis said, including, “secondly, she is creating worth for the college itself as a result of the Cave Hill Campus is an fairness accomplice within the enterprise. Taking an concept via the so-called tech switch funnel, all the best way from the purpose of conception to the profitable pilot stage that we’ve witnessed at the moment, the purpose at which it’s prepared for scale-up and funding, takes persistence and dedication.”
Professor Landis hinted that the sargassum-powered car is only the start. He mentioned The UWI plans to introduce different sargassum-based improvements quickly, together with merchandise for pest management and diabetes therapy.
In the meantime, in her tackle, Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Vitality and Enterprise, lauded the challenge as a big milestone in Barbados’ renewable power journey. She underscored the truth that Barbados has 150,000 fossil gasoline automobiles, and this innovation is essential within the transportation sector as Barbados strives to fulfill its net-zero carbon emissions objectives.
“Electrification and the usage of renewables in transportation are crucial for our power transition,” Minister Cummins famous, including that the challenge has the potential to “change the hearts and minds” of the Barbadian public relating to transitioning to renewable power.
Minister Cummins additionally highlighted the broader potential of sargassum past Barbados, urging the area to embrace the chance. “This can be a regional and a worldwide first-mover alternative. Barbados has pioneered a expertise that may change the best way all the Caribbean treats to transportation, and I need us to not take that as a right,” she mentioned, expressing confidence that Barbados will proceed to steer in renewable power.
The launch occasion was hosted by Rum and Sargassum Inc. and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados. Sponsors included The CCREEE, The UWI, NGC Inexperienced Firm Restricted, the Nationwide Petroleum Company, the Inter-American Improvement Financial institution, the Caribbean Local weather-Sensible Accelerator, TOSL Engineering Restricted, and RL Mark & Firm.
