The introduction of more renewable energy sources experiences broad support globally, and so it does in Barbados. However, as many island states, Barbados is dependent on fossil fuel imports for the maintenance of its energy system. The energy transition takes place between established interests of energy system stakeholders as dominant actors and contested pathways regarding the way forward. This study looks into how the current energy system is structured and how dominant actors approach the energy transition as well as which alternatives to the dominant energy transition trajectory are developed locally. Based on expert interviews and thematic coding of transcripts and transition documents, a neo-Gramscian perspective is applied to examine the current energy system, the role of stakeholders who have an influence on changing the energy system as well as alternative solutions within the energy transition process. The results outline the role of neo-Gramscian concepts like the historical bloc within the energy system, whereas independent power producers are integrated into the energy system in the form of a passive revolution. Examples for trasformismo include solar water heaters, the National Oil Company as well as the electric utility, and a hydrogen project. Alternatives include technical solutions not broadly supported, like biofuels from sargassum or bagasse, wind energy or a pump storage hydro plant solution, as well as cooperative ownership. The analysis of who shapes the energy transition in Barbados contributes to highlighting turning points that can be taken up to accelerate the transition process.
Carmen Séra-Penker (Wed,) studied this question.