The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed an agreement for the Anegada Microgrid project, which will introduce renewable solar energy to the island. The agreement was signed through the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC).

Speaking on behalf of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, stated that the population size and topography make Anegada ideal for this renewable energy initiative, as the microgrid will assist in reducing the number of resources needed to run the energy plant on the Sister Island.

Honourable de Castro said, “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. Chief Executive   Officer Mr. Robert Wallace Jr. said that the signing was 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 its 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.

Meanwhile, Chair of the BVIEC Board, Mrs. Rosemarie Flax said the BVI Electricity Corporation has at no point wavered its commitment to deliver this renewable energy project. Mrs. Flax also noted that the size of the contract reflected ten months of “hard work” and preparation.

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

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is committed to providing the best possible service to its customers, and to aid in the development of the Territory’s electrical infrastructure by adequately supplying a reliable and continuous electrical supply to the entire Virgin Islands population at an affordable cost.