The Virgin Islands Government has inked an agreement for the Anegada Microgrid project for which will mark the introduction of renewable solar energy on Anegada. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The agreement was signed through the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and Speaking on behalf of the Premier was Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The agreement was signed through the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and Speaking on behalf of the Premier was Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), who stated that the population size and topography make Anegada ideal for this renewable energy initiative.

She said the microgrid will assist in reducing the number of resources needed to run the energy plant on the Sister Island.

Green energy initative 

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

The contract was awarded to Power52 Clean Energy Access and its Chief Executive  Officer Mr Robert Wallace Jr. regarded the signing as a “joyous occasion” and one that follows the solar technician training initiative, also led by Power52, of which local students were able to 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,” Mr. Wallace said, affirming that the local solar technician graduates will be at the forefront of not only the Anegada Microgrid Project, but the country’s move towards green energy on a whole.

The project is expected to begin in the next three weeks and should conclude in approximately 12 months.