Barbados biomass project powered with sargassum

A group of Caribbean scientists and environmentalists have developed a groundbreaking solution to a persistent regional problem: the invasive seaweed sargassum. By converting this nuisance into a valuable resource, they have pioneered a method to power vehicles with biofuel derived from sargassum and other organic waste.

In recent years, sargassum has inundated Caribbean beaches, causing significant environmental and economic damage. The innovative team at the University of the West Indies in Barbados has turned this problem into an opportunity by harnessing the seaweed’s potential as a renewable energy source.

The biofuel, produced from a combination of sargassum, wastewater from rum distilleries, and organic waste, can be used to power vehicles after a simple conversion process. This sustainable solution not only addresses the sargassum problem but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Dr. Legena Henry, a key figure in this project, emphasized the potential of this innovation to alleviate the economic burden caused by sargassum. By transforming a nuisance into a valuable resource, this project offers a promising pathway towards a more sustainable future for the Caribbean region.