Fossil fuel prices are likely to rise due to increased summer demand, OPEC's extended supply cuts, and a potential Federal Reserve rate cut affecting the USD. These factors impact electricity bills, but BVIEC is committed to monitoring markets and mitigating price fluctuations.
SEVEN FIRMS QUALIFY TO PROGRESS RESILIENT, CLEAN ENERGY IN PARAQUITA BAY
The clean energy microgrid project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank continues to progress with the BVI Electricity Corporation’s announcement of seven engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms qualifying to develop the clean energy system.
British Virgin Islands, August 9, 2022—The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and RMI, advanced local energy resilience with the announcement of seven EPC firms qualifying to construct a clean energy system in Paraquita Bay. Designed to create a more resilient electricity system and reduce dependency on diesel for electricity, the microgrid system will comprise a 3 MW utility-scale solar system, undergrounding, battery energy storage and a new substation. This system will decouple from the grid to provide localized electricity in the event of a power outage.
The following seven EPC firms qualify, moving to the next phase of request for proposals for the clean energy system:
- China Machinery Engineering Corporation
- Compass Solutions International
- DHYBRID Power Systems GmbH
- K-Line Maintenance & Construction
- Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Company
- SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH
- Valard Construction LP
Of the 19 applicants, the 7 firms that qualified were selected based on the criteria established by the project team to ensure a successful project. Selection criteria included previous construction experience, ability to execute projects of this nature and complexity, and good financial standing.
Local expertise will be needed to execute the clean energy system. This will be a unique opportunity for local contractors, equipment suppliers and consultants to collaborate with the selected EPC firm leading project design and construction to implement specific parts of the project such as civil works, electrical infrastructure implementation and building construction.
Mr. Leroy A. E. Abraham, General Manager of the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation, states, “The completed microgrid project in Paraquita Bay on the Island of Tortola will provide clean, resilient energy to the grid, advancing BVI toward its goal of 30% renewable energy by 2023.”
About BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC)
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation Ordinance No. 7 of 1978 was legislated to provide for the establishment of a Statutory Corporation, known as the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation. This Ordinance came into effect in January of 1979. The Government of the British Virgin Islands is the sole shareholder of BVIEC which is under the portfolio of the Ministry of Communication and Works. Serving approximately 16,198 customers the end of June 2022, the company meets the territory’s peak demand of approximately 32 MW from eleven (11) of its own diesel fired generators which have an installed capacity of approximately 58.5 MW.
The major functions of the Corporation are the generation, transmission, supply, distribution and sale of electricity throughout the British Virgin Islands.
The Corporation is made up of a Chairman, four ordinary members and two Ex-officio, members all appointed by the Cabinet
About RMI
RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.
Visit www.rmi.org for more information on RMI or follow us on Twitter and Facebook @RMICaribbean.
