William L. Hinds

William L. A. Hinds (born February 3, 1961) is a Barbadian renewable energy expert and advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados. He is recognized for his contributions to solar energy development in the Caribbean.

In 1984, Hinds was awarded a Chevening Scholarship by the British Government and subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Alternative Energy from the University of Reading.^[2] He was also a recipient of the United States Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program in 2008.

Hinds was born in Barbados on February 3, 1961. He received his secondary education at Harrison College. He later attended the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences.^[3]

In 1986, he completed his master's degree in alternative energy for developing countries.^[2] He returned to Barbados and worked on Organization of American States (OAS) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) projects involving Biogas Digesters and wind energy.^[4]

In 1990, Hinds established a company to produce solar dryers for agricultural and industrial purposes. He developed a walk-in solar dryer with computerized temperature controls and backup heating, which increased the shelf life of a cream-of-wheat-type product from two months to twelve, making it viable for export.

Between 1990 and 1996, he also developed solar dryers for treating imported lumber used in the local furniture industry. In 1996, Hinds joined the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, as project manager of the Solar Program. There, he developed solar dryers and solar stills, and installed numerous solar electric systems commissioned by the Barbados Government.

In 2004, Hinds introduced Barbados' first solar electric vehicle—a solar-powered golf cart—following the debut of the country's first solar-powered bicycle. Solar shuttles were later used for tours of the capital, and one vehicle was showcased during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009.

Hinds pioneered Barbados' first photovoltaic (PV) installation training programs, educating over 100 participants from four Caribbean nations. He also trained 27 individuals in Belize and 20 staff members of the Anguilla electric utility. He conceptualized and designed regional renewable energy projects supported by more than 13 Caribbean countries and the Global Environmental Facility. This initiative evolved into the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Project, headquartered at the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana.

His contributions include the development of the Caribbean's first large-scale solar-powered ice plant in Skeete's Bay, Barbados; Barbados' first solar demonstration house in Queen's Park, Bridgetown; and Trinidad's first solar demonstration house at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Hinds is the author of Householders Guide to Cool Solar Houses,^[2][5] and Garden Adventure: How a Solar Water Heater Works.^[6][7]

In 2024, he represented the Caribbean Development Bank at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum.^[8][9]

From 1990 to 1996, Hinds served as a development officer for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

As of 2024, Hinds is serving as Chief Energy Conservation Officer in the Energy and Telecommunications Division within the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados.^[10][11][12] During his tenure, he helped establish the Solar Transport Project.^[2]

Hinds has two sons.