Roadtown, Tortola  - Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Omar W. Hodge left the Territory today as head of a delegation to Europe to aid in developing the BVI’s energy policy.

The primary purpose of the trip is to determine the feasibility of using waste gasification for energy generation and to view the energy conversion practices at resident plants.

Hon. Hodge said the trip will provide the framework needed for Government to explore first hand energy consumption patterns used in industrial countries and identify efficiency measures necessary for local implementation.

“We know that we cannot continue our dependence on oil as over the past year the price has fluctuated widely with a high of $147.00 per barrel.  We are seeking to be proactive in identifying green solutions for our energy needs,” Hon. Hodge said.

While in Europe the BVI delegation along with Pan Caribbean Energy personnel will tour a KDV plant in Germany and a gasification plant in Scotland. 

Additionally, through arrangements made by the BVI London office, the delegation will meet with environmental officials from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Natural Resources Minister will be accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Mr. Clyde Lettsome, Private Secretary Mrs. Jerrilyn King and BVI Electricity General Manager, Mr. Leroy Abraham. The delegation will return to the Territory on September, 25.

In June 2008 His Excellency Governor David Pearey with advice from the Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE assigned the energy portfolio to the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour.  It is Government’s aim to provide an efficient and sustainable energy supply and improve the energy-related security of the people of the Virgin Islands.