Experimental Evidence on the Use of Biomethane from Rum Distillery Waste and Sargassum Seaweed as an Alternative Fuel for Transportation in Barbados

Abstract: 

This paper presents an alternative to the current use of gasoline and diesel for transportation in Barbados. By relying on experimental evidence, it shows that biomethane emanating from the combination of Sargassum seaweed that is found on the seashores of the country with wastewater from rum distillery production can be used to produce an alternative transportation fuel. If implemented successfully, this alternative combustion method can avoid as much as 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions every year in the country. These findings have important implications for policymakers. First, they can contribute to the national objective of becoming fossil fuel free by 2030 and diversifying the energy matrix. Second, this alternative fuel can improve resilience to natural catastrophes, complementing the transition to renewables and diversification of the sector. Third, the impact on the tourism industry is expected to be high and positive, as the Sargassum seaweed has been declared a national emergency due to its prevalence on beach tourism spots. 

Author(s): 
Legena Henry
Brittney McKenzie
Aria Goodridge
Karyl Pivott
Joshua Austin
Kristen Lynch
Shamika Spencer
Felicia Cox
Nikolai Holder
Renique Murray
Veronica R Prado
Pauline Ravillard
Keywords: 
Climate change
CO2 emissions
Transportation
Biofuel
Sargassum seaweed
Barbados
Article Source: 
Inter-American Development Bank
Category: 
Ecological Services
Seaweed composition
Uses of Seaweeds: Fuel or Energy