Largest solar generation plus storage project in Caribbean agreed

• 4 years ago (2019-08-08)
• David Flin

North America 999 Solar 246 Storage 37

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The Government of St Kitts and Nevis, the state-owned St Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC) and Leclanché , a leading energy storage company, have announced the largest solar generation plus energy storage project ever to be built in the Caribbean.

The 35.6 MW solar energy plant and 44.2MWh battery storage facility will be built on government provided land in the Basseterre Valley. The system will provide between 25-30 per cent of the nation’s current power needs, while displacing the same amount of diesel-generated capacity.

Leclanché will serve as the prime EPC contractor for the installation of both the solar PV system and the battery energy storage system. Ground-breaking for the project is scheduled for mid-October 2019, with a scheduled completion date of September 2020.

Ian Liburd, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Post, Urban Development and Transport for St Kitts and Nevis, said: “The solar storage project will help solidify the financial strength of SKELEC over the next 20+ years, while substantially reducing the islands’ fuel cost over that period. The expected fuel avoidance cost from the installation of the solar farm will not only be beneficial to the energy demand of the Federation, but represents the most viable option for securing SKELEC’s financial future.”

Leclanché has established a St Kitts special purpose vehicle (SPV) along with local partner Solrid to fund, own, and operate this facility. One the project is completed and delivered, Leclanché will be responsible for the management of all project operations, maintenance, and equipment warranties.