The Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project was today, December 12, 2025, officially commissioned. Photo: VINO

The completion of the solar project now means the days and nights of frequent power outages on Anegada are over. Photo: VINO

The Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project in The Settlement. Photo: BVIEC

The game-changing project, the first in the Virgin Islands, was originally slated to be completed by November 2021, and had a revised deadline of November 2023; however, it was hit with delays.

The project was initially given to Power 52 Clean Energy Access but was completed by New Jersey-based Core Development Group, with oversight by the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC).

The completion of the project now means the days and nights of frequent power outages on Anegada are over.

The solar plant project, designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes, was completed under $6M and now provides up to 19 hours of solar power to Anegada, which means diesel powered electricity is used for short periods but mostly in the nights.

Ribbon Cutting

Among those giving remarks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Official Commissioning were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley ((R7), Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Ninth District Representative and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) and General Manager of BVI Electricity Corporation ((BVIEC) Dr Neil M. Smith.

Premier Wheatley said the commissioning of the solar plant represented a new chapter of electricity generation in the Virgin Islands, one that is sustainable and protects the environment.

He also said he wishes to see similar solar farms on Virgin Gorda and Tortola and a wind energy project on Jost van Dyke.

Others in attendance included Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr, Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) and Deputy Speaker Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1).

More details to follow.