The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus has unveiled the world’s first vehicle powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), sourced from an unlikely trio: Sargassum seaweed, rum distillery wastewater, and Blackbelly sheep manure. This innovative project marks a significant leap towards sustainable transportation in the Caribbean and beyond.

The unveiling event drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the debut of a vehicle that embodies the future of eco- friendly travel. With the bold declaration “Runs on Sargassum” emblazoned on its trunk, the flagship vehicle of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE) was officially introduced. It was driven for several minutes, thrilling onlookers and underscoring the potential of this ground-breaking technology.

This transformative initiative is the culmination of rigorous research conducted by The UWI Cave Hill scientists, who partnered with Rum and Sargassum Inc. and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados. Together, they have forged a path towards sustainable vehicular fuel that could reshape transportation across the Caribbean region.

Minister of Energy Lisa Cummins heralded this achievement not just as a local triumph, but as a potential model for innovation on a global scale. “Barbados has pioneered a technology that can change how we think about transportation in the entire Caribbean,”she remarked.

This groundbreaking project is not merely an engineering feat; it represents a vision for a more sustainable future. As the global community grows increasingly conscious of climate change and environmental degradation, initiatives like this stand as a beacon of hope and a call to action for other nations. With its creative use of locally sourced materials and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Barbados is poised to become a leader in the renewable energy sector.

The Sargassum-powered vehicle is more than just a mode of transport; it symbolizes a collective effort towards innovation and environmental stewardship. With each journey it makes, it sends a powerful message: sustainable solutions are not only possible but are on the road ahead.

The UWI’s Cave Hill Campus received high praise for its pioneering role when Barbados unveiled the world’s first vehicle powered by renewable natural gas (RNG) from Sargassum seaweed, rum distillery wastewater, and Blackbelly sheep manure on September 17, 2024. The project is the result of extensive research conducted by scientists at The UWI Cave Hill, in collaboration with Rum and Sargassum Inc. and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados. The vehicle was enthusiastically received, receiving applause as it made its debut drive at Guinea Plantation in St. John. The car, now the flagship vehicle for the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE), features the branding "Runs on Sargassum" on its trunk.