Local solar tech grads to be at forefront of Microgrid Project

Local solar technician graduates will be at the forefront of the Anegada Microgrid Project which is being done through an agreement signed between the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the US-based solar energy company, Power52.

Power52’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robert Wallace Jr, gave that indication during the contract signing last Friday, November 5.

The CEO said the contract signing was a joyous occasion for his company and one that follows the solar technician training initiative from which some local students were subjected to learn and benefit.

“This will be the first solar and battery storage sustainable island in the world, and it’s being done here in the BVI, built by your men and women that were trained here,” Wallace stated.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Junior Minister for Tourism Sharie de Castro, who was representing Premier Andrew Fahie, said the population size and topography of Anegada make it ideal for the renewable energy initiative.

Reduced resources

She added the microgrid will help in reducing the resources required to operate the energy plant on the island and provide electricity for the people.

“We have always said that by 2030 the Virgin Islands can be 60 per cent green, thus reducing its carbon footprint and saving the private and public sector millions of dollars presently spent in imported fossil fuels.

“[This] contract signing puts this into focus and initiates this Government’s proactive efforts toward renewable energy on Anegada, and shows that transitioning to green, renewable energy is important for our people and our environment,” de Castro said.

“As a government, we would also like to acknowledge and thank successive governments for doing their part in strengthening the energy capacity and infrastructure of the Virgin Islands. I look forward to the successful completion of the Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System Project on Anegada, and to the continued advancement of a greener Virgin Islands,” the Junior Tourism Minister added.

Nearly a year of hard work and prep

Meanwhile, the Chairwoman of the BVIEC Board, Rosemarie Flax said the Electricity Corporation has at no point wavered its commitment to deliver this renewable energy project.

Flax also noted that the size of the contract reflected 10 months of hard work and preparation. The project is expected to begin in the next three weeks and should conclude in approximately one year.

Earlier this month, the Recovery and Development Agency, through the Premier’s office, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Kingdom, under the Governor’s Office, for the implementation of a renewable energy project.

The project will see the installation of three solar power box systems across the territory. The partnership will see Governor John Rankin providing $260,000 in support of the new innovative renewable energy project which is expected to put the Virgin Islands on the path of greener energy.

The project will see the construction, installation and maintenance of new renewable energy systems at three locations in the BVI.