A recent Belco estimate projected that Bermuda might rely on renewable energy for a fifth of its electricity by 2020. For many, this might call to mind visions of wind farms and vast blocks of solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Yet these large-scale renewables — though under consideration by the Island's energy chiefs — are by all accounts many years off. Nevertheless, Bermuda's alternative energy revolution is quietly underway with the proliferation of domestic, or 'small-scale' renewables.

At the centre of this transformation in Island life is Kevon Makell, vice-president and general manager of PureNERGY Renewables. Mr. Makell — a veteran of over 30 years in the energy sector — joined Belco in 2005, the same year a fire at the company's facility in Pembroke resulted in near-total power outages across the Island. It was that event, he says, coupled with the threat of climate change which convinced the company that "life as we know it was going to change".

Three years after he was tasked by Belco to examine the future of sustainable energy in Bermuda, Mr. Makell was made head of the new venture — now a subsidiary of Ascendant Group Ltd., which also owns Belco.

Today, PureNERGY is one of a few local companies seeking to capitalise on an emerging market. It offers to both residential and commercial clients renewable energy solutions that combine solar panels, wind turbines and solar-thermal hot water systems.

"Small-scale might be as small as 1.5 kW," says Mr. Makell, "right now PureNERGYhas done probably the largest system [in Bermuda] with 14 kW at a large residential facility."

Though the appeal of renewable energy to environmentalists is a reduction in carbon emissions, Mr. Makell accepts that most of his customers will have their Belco bill in mind.

"What I've found folks in different jurisdictions are driven by is cost and return on investment, and that's no different here — we can say right off the bat that we can achieve a fairly substantial reduction on your energy cost."

Mr. Makell said a reduction of 20 percent on a customer's energy bill was feasible. Though renewable technology has a reputation for being costly, PureNERGY says it can offer a basic package starting at $300.

Another selling point for domestic renewables in Bermuda is, of course, the lengthy outages typically endured in the aftermath of hurricanes like Fabian.

In normal conditions, PureNERGY's customers receive power from both Belco and from the renewable power system. In the event of an outage, however, the system can switch to an 'off-grid' mode — which can meet essential energy requirements for days until the restoration of normal service.

The latest solar panels are even designed to withstand winds in excess of 135 mph, meaning even if a customer loses their roof in a storm, the panels will remain affixed.

Mr. Makell, who speaks passionately about the possibilities of renewable energy in Bermuda, has every reason to be convinced. His Warwick cottage incorporates all three technologies offered by PureNERGY, which ensures even the home security system remains operational in the event of an outage. A recent power outage in Mr. Makell's neighbourhood proved a useful test case for the technology.

"I called my wife and she was totally oblivious [of the outage]," he recalls, adding that when he returned home both the ceiling fans and the television were still on, with his family unaware of the power outage around them.

Mr. Makell's system, which can be monitored via internet from anywhere in the world, is perhaps more advanced than most at present. However, this independence from the volatility of traditional energy cost and supply is the future being offered by his company.

For businesses, which suffer lost revenues during outages, this prospect is particularly enticing. Last year, the company installed solar-thermal technology at the Tucker's Point Golf Clubhouse — which now heats 900 gallons of water a day, and has resulted in a five to 10 percent reduction in electricity costs.

"I could start with a commercial energy audit to look at how [a business owner] is losing money just by operating as he does every day," says Mr. Makell, who notes that changes can be a simple as switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs to the instillation of solar technology.

Though Mr. Makell says the market in Bermuda remains "sputtering", there are some encouraging signs. Last year Government launched a rebate programme offering residents up to $5,000 back on the instillation of solar panels. Meanwhile, PureNERGY has partnered with HSBC Bermuda to create a lending package with favourable rates and terms for customers looking to install solar-thermal hot water technology.

As Bermudians slowly embrace renewable technology, Mr. Makell is convinced that the future of sustainable energy in Bermuda is bright.

"I'm certain of it. I don't believe Bermuda is going completely away from oil-fire generation — but I don't think what has been done for the past 100 years is sustainable for the next 100 years."

For more information, visit www.purenergy.bm