#Nassau, March 20, 2019 – Bahamas – In keeping with the government’s agenda of pursuing alternative energy resources, a new solar park has been opened. The government of the United Arab Emirates has facilitated the park, which is located at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. An official opening ceremony was held at the site on Monday, March 18, 2019.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis
gave the keynote address.
The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium 925kW Solar
PV Carport Power Plant in Nassau was developed under the US$50 million UAE-Caribbean
Renewable Energy Fund (CREF), and is the largest renewable energy initiative of
its kind in the Caribbean region.
Developed in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry
of Environment and Housing, with initial concept support from the Rocky Mountain
Institute — the project additionally serves as a carport with 342 parking
spaces, including two spaces that are equipped with fast-charging electric
vehicle charging stations.
Expressing his gratitude to the government of the
UAE, Prime Minister Minnis said such facilities are part of the government’s
vision to bring renewable energy resources to the country. He said the energy
generated from the solar panels would feed into the national grid and, based on
his understanding, would offset some of the electricity usage of neighboring
schools.
“The Bahamas is a Small Island Developing State. We
contribute very little to the emission of greenhouse gases, and the
corresponding threat of climate change. Nonetheless, we are extremely
vulnerable to its effects,” said the Prime Minister. “Renewable
energy technologies are proving to be the best way to transition from fossil
fuels usage.”
Minister of the Environment & Housing, the Hon.
Romauld Ferreira also delivered remarks. He said he was especially
excited about the park and was looking for more opportunities to expand
renewable energy resources in the country.
Representing the UAE at the inaugural ceremony was
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica and
Representative to the Association of Caribbean States, His Excellency Bader Al
Matrooshi, who said the event represented a major milestone in the relationship
between The Bahamas and his country.
“Today is a proud moment for strong bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates and The Bahamas,” said His Excellency. Thelandmark project, he noted, sets a regulatory precedent for renewable plants to feed into the grid.
By Betty Vedrine
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, right, unveils the plaque commemorating the opening of the Solar Park, along with UAE Ambassador to Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica and Representative to the Association of Caribbean States, His Excellency Bader Al Matrooshi. Looking on at centre is Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)