ANEGADA GOES CLEAN: BVIEC COMMISSIONS HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, December 17, 2025 — The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) marked a historic milestone with the official commissioning of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project, a transformative initiative that will dramatically reshape how electricity is generated and delivered on the island of Anegada.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, December 12, 2025, represents the culmination of more than six years of planning, procurement, and execution and signals a bold step forward in the Virgin Islands’ transition toward sustainable, resilient, and climate-smart energy solutions.

A Project Years in the Making

The Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy & BESS Project originated with an International Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by BVIEC on October 16, 2019, seeking the procurement and installation of a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system for the island of Anegada. Following a mandatory site visit and competitive bidding process involving five international firms, the project was ultimately awarded to Power 52 Clean Energy Access LLC.

After unavoidable delays arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic, BVIEC and Power 52 formally executed the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract on November 5, 2021, but the technical expertise of CORE and DNV paved the way for full implementation and eventual commissioning.

Clean Energy at Scale for Anegada

The newly commissioned hybrid system integrates 1.252 megawatts (MW) of solar PV generation with 4,078 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery energy storage, seamlessly working alongside existing diesel generation. The system is designed to reduce diesel-generated electricity on Anegada by an estimated 90 percent, a critical achievement given that BVIEC currently subsidizes electricity costs for residents of the island.

During the current peak usage on Anegada, the facility supplies more than 12 hours of clean energy per day, and under optimal conditions, significantly reduces reliance on imported fuel, enhancing energy security.

Leadership Perspectives

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, underscored the broader national and international significance of the project:

“We have a strong team that is delivering this administration’s mandate. You have brought tangible benefits to the people of Anegada, more reliable electricity supply, reduced power outages and fluctuations. More reliability means more productivity, economically, educationally and socially.

Internationally, it sends a message that we who are on the front line of climate change will lead by example, by harnessing the power of the sun to lower our carbon footprint, ensuring our energy use contributes less to global emissions and more to the sustainability of our islands.”

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, described the commissioning as a defining moment for the territory’s energy future:

“Today marks a landmark moment in our collective journey towards a greener, more resilient future with the inauguration of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System.

Its 1.3 megawatt solar photovoltaic capacity combined with a 4 megawatt-hour battery storage system will power Anegada cleanly and efficiently, supporting peak tourist season and everyday life alike. Power will be far more reliable, with fewer outages and quicker recovery after storms, as the station can operate independently of fuel deliveries from Tortola.”

Chairman of the BVIEC Board of Directors, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, underscored the human impact of the project and formally acknowledged the contributions of former General Manager Mr. Leroy Abraham, under whose leadership the project was initiated, as well as Deputy General Manager Ms. Symorne Penn, who provided oversight and stewardship of the project from inception through completion.

“Today is about much more than solar panels and batteries. It’s about a family in Anegada who can now run their air conditioning with energy that is cleaner and more sustainable. It’s about a small business owner whose power supply becomes more stable and consistent. And it’s about a community that will weather the next storm with battery backup that keeps essential services running when they need it the most.”

BVIEC General Manager, Dr. Neil Smith, emphasised the project’s alignment with long-term national energy goals:

“We have a target mandated by central government to achieve 60 percent renewable energy integration across the territory by 2030, and this project shows us what is possible. Despite the challenges, the only real constraint we face is our imagination.

In the coming weeks, we intend to bring forward projects aimed at further strengthening the resilience of our electricity grid, including initiatives supported by the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund.”

A Collective Effort

BVIEC acknowledged that the successful delivery of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project was made possible through the collective efforts of numerous partners, professionals, and dedicated teams, both locally and internationally. Special appreciation was extended to the many BVIEC teams whose expertise and commitment were integral to the project’s completion, including the Transmission and Distribution engineers, the Generation Department, the Anegada team, and the Cable Jointing team, as well as to local contractors NGP Electric and Amandla Engineering for their valuable contributions.

Their expertise, commitment, and collaboration were instrumental in delivering a project that sets a new benchmark for renewable energy development in the Virgin Islands.

A Model for the Future

The commissioning of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy & BESS Project stands as a powerful demonstration of what is achievable through strategic planning, international collaboration, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. As the Virgin Islands continues its journey toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future, Anegada now serves as a living model of innovation, climate leadership, and community-focused development.

About BVIEC

The BVI Electricity Corporation is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for the British Virgin Islands. Through investment in people, innovation, and strategic partnerships, BVIEC continues to power progress and resilience across the Territory.