BVI government moves forward with renewable energy

ROAD TOWN, BVI -- The government of the British Virgin Islands is preparing to integrate renewable energy sources as part of the electricity infrastructure in the territory.

news 2.jpg The ministry of communications and works is anticipating that by 2023, thirty percent of the territory’s power will be generated by renewable energy sources through the use of wind, solar, waste and waste heat.

Minister for communications and works, Mark Vanterpool, said that it is imperative to get this initiative implemented quickly.

Additionally, as part of the move to incorporate greater use of renewable energy, the government of the BVI will also be replacing the old street light system with a modern LED (light emitting diode) system that uses solar power for the street lights throughout the territory.

These combined efforts are designed to reduce the territory’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, reflecting the government’s global responsibility to reduce the territory’s carbon footprint. Currently the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation Phase V Development Programme is underway and will have two 8.1 MW Wartsilla Engines installed in order to satisfy the demand in the territory.