What if environmental challenges could become opportunities for sustainable energy and agriculture? In Grenada, one such challenge — Sargassum seaweed — has the potential to do just that. That’s exactly what we’re doing at SarGas Ltd by transforming the island’s Sargassum seaweed problem into a sustainable opportunity. By converting Sargassum seaweed into biogas and biofertilizer, we aim to provide a dual solution that addresses both the energy and agricultural needs of the island while promoting long-term sustainability.
Understanding the Caribbean Sargassum challenge
Due to rising sea temperature and increased eutrophication, Sargassum seaweed has increasingly plagued the Caribbean, including Grenada, disrupting marine ecosystems, tourism, and local livelihoods. Its excessive accumulation on our beaches poses environmental hazards and economic burdens. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, SarGas Ltd was established to address the problem head-on by harnessing the untapped potential of Sargassum as a renewable energy source.
Our solution: Biogas and biofertilizer from Sargassum
Our approach involves processing Sargassum in biodigesters to produce biogas—a renewable energy source—and biofertilizer—a nutrient-rich byproduct that can support sustainable agriculture.
- Biogas: The biogas produced can be used to generate electricity and reduce Grenada’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Biofertilizer: The dried fertilizer byproduct is ideal for improving soil health and supporting local agriculture, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
At our upcoming facility in Telescope, St. Andrew’s, we will install a 160 kW biogas plant capable of generating approximately 1,300 MWh of electricity annually. This is enough to power a smaller town in Grenada, helping to stabilize Grenada’s energy supply and lower emissions.
We will also produce 600 tons of dried biofertilizer annually, which can fertilize between 300 to 600 acres of farmland each year, depending on the crop type and application rate.
The Grenadian energy sector: Challenges and opportunities
Grenada’s energy sector is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, resulting in high electricity costs for residents and businesses. The average cost of electricity is around $0.30 per kWh, one of the highest rates in the region. Additionally, the island faces challenges with energy security and grid stability due to its reliance on external energy sources.
By integrating biogas into the national energy mix, our solution offers several benefits:
- Renewable energy generation: The seaweed-derived biogas is renewable and carbon neutral.
- Grid stability: Our biogas facility will provide a consistent and predictable energy source, complementing Grenada’s solar energy initiatives.
- Energy cost reduction: Locally produced renewable energy can help reduce electricity prices over time by reducing reliance on expensive fuel imports.
- Energy independence: Developing indigenous energy sources like biogas improves Grenada’s energy security and resilience against global energy market fluctuations.
Our biogas facility aligns with Grenada’s renewable energy targets and will contribute to achieving the government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
The Grenadian agricultural Sector: Driving sustainable farming
Agriculture is a vital part of Grenada’s economy and cultural heritage, with key crops including nutmeg, cocoa, bananas, and various vegetables. However, farmers face challenges such as declining soil health, increasing input costs, and vulnerability to climate change.
Our biofertilizer product provides a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, delivering the following benefits:
- Food security: Grenada faces challenges with expensive imported fertilizers. Our biofertilizer can decrease the dependence on importing and increase food security.
- Soil health improvement: Organic biofertilizers enhance soil fertility by adding essential nutrients, improving soil structure, and increasing water retention.
- Cost savings for farmers: Using locally produced biofertilizer can reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive imported chemical fertilizers, lowering input costs.
- Environmental benefits: Biofertilizers reduce the environmental impact of farming by minimizing chemical runoff and promoting regenerative agricultural practices.
Expanding the impact: Regional potential
Our solution doesn’t stop at Grenada’s shores. The Sargassum seaweed problem affects many Caribbean islands and coastal regions in North and South America. We envision replicating our model across the region, helping other countries turn environmental challenges into opportunities for renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
Our goal is to scale up our operations to install 20 MW of Sargassum-derived electricity across the region by 2030. This would significantly contribute to renewable energy adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable development.
Building a sustainable future for Grenada
At SarGas Ltd, we are committed to creating innovative solutions that address Grenada’s environmental challenges while supporting economic growth and community well-being. By turning Sargassum seaweed into energy and fertilizer, we’re contributing to Grenada’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Our journey is just beginning, and we invite investors, farmers, NGOs, partners and other stakeholders to join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build a greener, more sustainable Grenada for generations to come.
