The Shadow Minister of the Environment has called for a "community-wide commitment" to reduce global warming following Belco's pledge to introduce large-scale renewable energy to the Island.

Cole Simons has welcomed the energy company's announcement of providing 20 percent of electricity through solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind farms, wave technology and biomass by 2020.

Belco has issued a solicitation of interest document to potential suppliers with a view to drawing up contracts to purchase power by summer 2009.

As reported last week in The Royal Gazette, Belco currently envisages three offshore wind farms, three wave technology plants and six to eight sets of large-scale solar PV panels.

President and CEO Vince Ingham said the large-scale renewable energy installations will both reduce Bermuda's reliance on foreign oil imports and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Minister Terry Lister was yesterday off-Island and did not return The Royal Gazette's requests for a comment.

Shadow Environment Minister Mr. Simons however, said: "The United Bermuda Party welcomes the Bermuda Electric Light Company's initiative to tap and develop natural energy from the sun, wind and waves.

"It represents an important step for the company towards the fulfillment of its obligation and responsibility to ensure a sustainable energy future for the Island.

"It is time Bermuda stepped forward in this new age of global warming because it is real and few other societies have more to lose than us — a low-lying mid-ocean island.

"Rising sea levels and more intense storm systems put us on the front burner of global warming and the sooner Bermudians understand our vulnerability, the sooner we will take our place as responsible citizens working towards a responsible and sustainable future.

"We would like to see a community-wide commitment to steps to reduce conditions that contribute to global warming. Regardless of our small size, it is a matter of the highest principle and our moral responsibility to play our part. We should never leave our destiny in the hands of others. Bermuda must take action."

Mr. Simons said: "We believe energy efficiency should be a national priority.

"This would include: committing the Island to a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2026; devising strategies to diversify our energy sources, with a focus on renewable energy technologies; implementing appropriate steps in areas such as planning and regulation, including incentives for investment in energy; focusing our strategies on securing energy at a reasonable cost and developing a culture that supports a renewable energy society; grounding all planning in specific timelines and targets to measure commitment, performance and results.

He said: "There is a world of opportunity for Bermuda to do the right thing in this age of global warming. Because of our particular circumstances, Bermuda can actually become a test case for societal change that makes a difference.

"Belco has taken some first steps in this most basic challenge to the Island, but ultimately it will be up to Government to lay down a plan and mobilise the people towards a sustainable, safer future."