How will the family Islands solar power system work?

Development of the four solar-fueled power systems will set the stage to scale the Family Islands solar program across the island chain’s outlying islands, as well as contribute to the Bahamas achieving a national goal of renewable energy resources meeting 30% of electricity needs by 2030.

What is the islands energy program?

In addition to the Bahamas, the Islands Energy team is in the midst of assisting Caribbean island governments and utilities in five other jurisdictions craft and carry out clean, renewable energy transition: the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Belize, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks and Caicos. Three pillars support the program.

Is solar a good option in the Bahamas?

On a kilowatt-hour (kWh) by kilowatt-hour basis, solar’s your best, but you need to add battery energy storage capacity in order to reach higher levels of penetration,” he noted. “Nassau’s [the Bahamas’ largest city] is a pretty big grid, and it can take a fair bit of solar without storage,” Burgess continued.

Does New Providence need a solar grid?

An interactive, two-way grid is required given any grid-connected distributed solar or renewable energy, however, he added. “Studies have shown that the New Providence grid (which serves Nassau) can take at least 8 megawatts (MW) of solar without worrying about storage.

Why were the islands chosen?

The islands were chosen due to projected increases in energy demand, according to BPL. Project developers need to provide complete solar energy systems solutions that encompass development, financing, ownership, operations and maintenance.

Do these four islands need more generation in the short-term?

These four islands need some additional generation in the short-term. Given the load growth curves for these islands, we looked at the fact they need more generation sooner rather than later. —BPL Chairman Donovan Moxey was quoted in a Tribune Business news report.