On June 8, 2026, the Department of Energy welcomed Neriah Bean and Benjamin Crofton for its inaugural eight-week internship under its Energy Scholarship and Bursary Programme.
The internship was designed to immerse the students in the Department’s work and provide practical experience across the areas that shape Bermuda’s energy sector.
The programme forms part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ broader commitment to preparing Bermuda for its energy future by investing in Bermudian talent. It aims to build local expertise and experience while supporting greater continuity and long-term sustainability within the sector.
During the internship, Neriah and Benjamin gained exposure to the Department’s responsibilities across electricity, telecommunications, broadcasting, and space and satellite operations. They also represented the Department at the Bermuda Government’s recent“Reimagining Public Service" Career Fair, engaging with attendees and sharing their experiences as interns.
As part of their policy exposure, the students reviewed the National Electricity Sector Policy and provided feedback from their perspectives as young Bermudians.
A major component of the internship challenged each student to research and develop an energy concept that could be integrated with digital finance solutions to explore innovative approaches to reducing energy costs. Each intern was provided with a digital wallet containing $100 USDC, a stablecoin, giving them practical exposure to digital finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) investment vehicles. These funds were intended to provide hands-on experience with digital finance and DeFi while encouraging them to continue their journey in digital finance throughout their university studies and, it is hoped into their future careers.
The students presented their proposals to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, Director of the Department of Energy, Adrian Dill, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Valerie Robinson-James and other Ministry representatives.
Minister Lightbourne said, “Preparing Bermuda for its energy future also means preparing Bermudians to lead it. This internship gave Neriah and Benjamin the opportunity to examine policy, explore emerging technologies and bring their perspectives to the challenges and opportunities facing our energy sector. Our young people have an important role in shaping what comes next, and by investing in their knowledge, skills and experience today, we are building the Bermudian talent needed to strengthen and sustain the sector for the future.”
The students’ work will extend beyond the internship, with their proposals to be presented to the Energy Policy Steering Committee for consideration.
The eight-week internship concluded on 29 July, with both students gaining practical experience to complement their studies while providing the Department with valuable youth perspectives on Bermuda’s energy future.
