William L. A. Hinds (born February 3, 1961) is a Barbadian specialist on renewable energy sources in the West Indies who serves as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados. Hinds received the British Government's Chevening Scholarship in 1984 and completed a Master of Science in Alternative Energy at the University of Reading in 1986.
Early life and education Hinds was born in Barbados on 3 February 1961. He received his secondary education at Harrison College in Barbados and later studied at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences. In 1986, Hinds completed his master's degree in alternative energy for developing countries. Upon returning to Barbados in 1986, Hinds worked with the Organization of American States (OAS) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) on renewable energy projects, including the design and implementation of biogas digester systems for agricultural waste management and small-scale wind energy installations. These projects served as the foundation for his later solar energy work and established his expertise in renewable energy technology transfer for developing economies. In 2008, Hinds participated in the United States Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a professional exchange program designed to provide emerging leaders with direct experience of U.S. governance and policy-making. The program brought him to the United States to study renewable energy policy and energy conservation strategies.
Career
Industry In 1990, Hinds founded a company to develop solar dryers for agriculture and industrial applications. One project involved designing a walk-in solar dryer equipped with computerized temperature controls and backup heating, which extended the shelf life of certain grain products from two months to twelve months. He wrote Householder's Guide to Cool Solar Houses and Garden Adventure: How a Solar Water Heater Works.
Government In 2024, Hinds served as Chief Energy Conservation Officer in the Energy and Telecommunications Division in the Office of the Prime Minister. During his time there, he established the Solar Transport Project. In 2024, Hinds represented Barbados in renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives at the Caribbean Development Bank.
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