Ray A. Lewis Jr, Power52 Clean Energy Access co-owner, expressed his excitement about the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) as part of an overall approach to creating resiliency solutions for individuals, families, and communities across the Virgin Islands. Photo: NBC Sports

Power52 was one of 28 companies that travelled to Anegada for a site visit with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Photo: VINO/File

Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Mrs Rosemary Flax, during a press conference on July 17, 2020, announced that out of a total score of 100 points that could be achieved, Power52 scored the highest out of the five bidders, with a total score of 81 points. Photo: Facebook

Power52 was amongst 76 competitive organisations that met screening criteria and one of 28 companies that participated in the mandatory site walk of the project in December 2019.

Power52 presented lowest cost for project

Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Mrs Rosemary Flax, during a press conference on July 17, 2020, announced that out of a total score of 100 points that could be achieved, Power52 scored the highest out of the five bidders, with a total score of 81 points.

Power52’s Energy Procure Construct price of $4,687,944.72 was the lowest costs presented for the project at $1.59/Wac, substantially lower than most of the other bidders. Their Power Purchase Agreement rate at $0.22 was additionally also much lower by $0.14 in comparison to the closest competitor.

Local contractors & resources

Power52 in a press release said it is committed to the delivery of this pioneering movement in renewable solutions, with a goal of utilising local contractors and local resources to encourage economic development and job creation in the Virgin Islands (VI).

It also said Power52 is committed to utilising a systematic approach to ensure regulatory compliance and BVIEC conformance during the programme management, EPC, and battery storage milestone delivery.

Ray A. Lewis Jr, Power52 Clean Energy Access co-owner, expressed his excitement about the project as part of an overall approach to creating resiliency solutions for individuals, families, and communities across the Virgin Islands.

Power52 Team will empower all- Ray A. Lewis Jr

Mr Lewis Jr, a former American Football professional player, stated: “It is my belief that the workforce solutions, and energy resources from the Power52 Team will empower all through access to solar power. We are delivering what our hearts desire, and by partnering with passionate people we will see change. Thank you BVI.”

According to Power52, execution of the contract agreement will include the turn-key engineering, procurement and construction services provided by the Power52 Team.

“The task order will support the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) in making the necessary decision around contract options for the ownership and operation of the Anegada HRES. Under the awarded contract and its specifications, the Power52 Team will develop and integrate advanced technologies for the project combined capacity of 2.1 MWdc, with 1.2 MWdc of solar PV and 930 kw-4h BESS,” the press release stated.

It further said the Power52 Team will guarantee power capacity measured, and energy delivered at the point of interconnection. This guarantee is supported by a full Project Execution Plan. “The Power52 Team will also support necessary lifecycle activities by defining sustainability concepts and requirements while also designing, developing, and providing ongoing operations and maintenance of the Anegada HRES.”

Power52 Team

The Power52 Team is comprised of Power52 Clean Energy Access (dba Power52 Caribbean Energy Solutions); SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH (SMA SUNBELT); and RENSA. The contract partnership amalgamates 3 entities who have completed over 200 Mega Watts of solar projects and are able to leverage a combined 60 years of industry knowledge. The Power52 team are engineering, procurement, and construction specialists with experience delivering and commissioning some of the largest Battery Energy Storage (BESS) projects worldwide.

Power52 Clean Energy Access, LLC is the prime contractor and said it has accepted the contract award from BVIEC for the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy System.

SMA SUNBELT is a 100% affiliated Subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG that has a solar photovoltaic inverters capacity of roughly one quarter of all solar photovoltaic installations worldwide. SMA SUNBELT is the subcontractor and has entered into the agreement to design, develop and deliver as a core member of the Power52 Team.

Resiliency through Sustainability

Positive Impact to Community Robert Wallace Jr, Power52 Clean Energy Access CEO, president, and co-owner expressed his commitment with the Power52 Team to ensure critical milestone requirements are met to advance the resiliency mission of BVIEC.

Mr Wallace stated, “Our support directly impacts individuals, families, and communities of British Virgin Islands. Resiliency through Sustainability is the method used to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders. As a solar industry leader, the primary commitment is to the project delivery of the Anegada HRES solution while considering technical integrity, ethical project management, and community acceptance. It is important that all Power52 Team’s local projects reflect BVIEC’s economic, social, and energy impact goals.”

40 years’ experience

Enrique Garralaga, managing director of the Energy Group, ensures his team will exact critical technology approaches along with the EPC delivery by RENSA, Energia Solar.

Mr Garralaga stated Energy Group has a vast experience in the Caribbean region where several solar and storage projects have been implemented for grid ancillary services, renewable energy firming, energy shifting or complete microgrid forming (diesel-off mode operations).

“Our contribution to the Power52 Team is backed by nearly 40 years of experience in renewable energy allowing us to deliver an integrated solution to our client, BVIEC, with energy resilience.”

Meanwhile, BVIEC has said it is anxiously looking forward to working with Power52 as its strategic partner in delivering energy diversity and sustainability to the residents of Anegada.