China initiative to reduce energy costs

By Linda Straker

Energy Minister Nazim Burke has disclosed that China has agreed to provide assistance to the Grenada Government that can result in reduced cost for electricity at the island’s Ministerial Complex.

“With the kind assistance of the People’s Republic of China, we have commenced a programme to replace all of the light bulbs in the Ministerial and Financial Complexes with the most efficient LED lighting currently on the market,” Burke told an energy symposium organised as part of Energy Awareness Week, which concluded last week Friday.

The initiative to reduce electricity cost is part of the Tillman Thomas administration’s 10-year Action Plan, which is to maximise energy efficiency wherever we can.

“We have started with the public sector,” said Burke, who explained that the project will target all government-owned buildings and/or office spaces. Technicians from China are scheduled to be in Grenada next week to train staff in the installation requirements.


On Tuesday, a statement from the Ministry of Finance said that as part of an agreement with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, 8 000 LED light bulbs and accessories were set to be officially handed over to the Government of Grenada yesterday in a ceremony at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts.

 Through the Agreement with the NDRC, the Government of the People’s Republic of China will assist Grenada in mitigating the negative effects of Climate change; achieving the country’s key objectives of maximizing energy efficiency; and promoting energy conservation through the provision of state-of-the-art Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights and energy efficient air-conditioners, which will be used mainly in Government buildings. Government also proposes to contribute some of the lights to the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA). The donation of the LED Lights represents the first phase of the project.

The presentation of the LED lights will be facilitated by Mr. Chen Xumei of the NDRC, Mr. Qian Zhijun, senior manager of China Potevio Co. Ltd, Mr. Yang Lei, engineer at the manufacturing factory of the LED light bulbs, and a representative of the Chinese embassy in Grenada. The Hon. V. Nazim Burke, Minister responsible for Energy, will accept on behalf of the Government of Grenada.

While in Grenada, the visiting team will also conduct a training session with students of T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and the New Life Organisation (NEWLO); members of the Grenada Electrical Contractors Association; and the Building Supervisors of the Government offices, in the installation and use of the technology.