NASSAU, The Bahamas – Officials at the Ministry of Environment and Housing are finalizing a plan that will make renewable energy installation mandatory for the construction of new homes within Government Subdivisions in support of greater residential energy efficiency and the promotion of sustainable development.

Delivering his contribution to the 2018/2019 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly (Tuesday, June 12, 2018), Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira said it is the Ministry’s goal to incorporate 30 percent renewables into the national grid by the year 2030.

“In support of renewable energy generation, improving residential energy efficiency and promoting sustainable development, my Ministry is currently finalizing a plan that will make renewable energy installation mandatory for the construction of new homes within government subdivisions,” Minister Ferreira said.

“At the basic level, this plan will require that all homes install solar water heaters.”

Minister Ferreira said a Tier System is being developed that will outline the required percentage of energy that needs to be generated from renewable technologies to the home square footage.

“To assist homeowners with financing this shift to energy efficient appliances, my Ministry will look at current duty rates and also engage local banks and businesses to explore incentive options.

“Similarly, we are also developing a plan to make it mandatory that all homes and development projects throughout The Bahamas are built with renewable, energy-efficient technology.

“To facilitate the incorporation of renewable energy within the housing sector, my Ministry is actively working on a renewable energy tier system that will require homes and development projects to incorporate Solar Water Heaters, Solar PV Systems and other energy-efficient technology into their building design based on the value of the hereditaments.

“I have an enthusiastic team working to identify strategies and incentives provided by other Small-Island Developing States and countries to increase the presence of renewable energy within their communities. Although in its early stages, this project will greatly contribute to providing clean, reliable energy to Bahamians,” Minister Ferreira added.