#Nassau, NP, August 9, 2019 – Bahamas – Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited (BPL) is excited to announce that work on implementing its first solar and battery storage solution is set to begin within days, on Ragged Island. Following a vigorous and detailed request for proposals (RFP) process, a company has been selected on BPL’s recommendation, and a site visit, by the project team, has been set for August 9, 2019.
The goal of the RFPs was to support of the Green Island initiative established for Ragged Island by the Government of The Bahamas. The project also supports BPL’s diversification of energy sources within its generation fleet. This will be the first solar and battery storage solution implemented by BPL and is paving the way for the company in the renewables arena.
Burlington
Strachan, BPL’s Director of Grid Stability & Support Services, explained.
“This
project, when completed, will produce in excess of 90% of the energy
requirements for Ragged Island, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the
island and diversifying the energy mix for BPL on the island,” Strachan said.
The details
BPL is implementing a turn-key engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project to provide a solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage microgrid system comprising 390 kWp minimum (solar PV), minimum 300 KW / 1,260 kWh (energy storage) and power management system. EPC contracting is a particular form of contracting arrangement in which the EPC contractor is made responsible for all the activities from design, procurement, construction, to commissioning and handover of the project to the end-user or owner.
The
project will be implemented in one phase, that a target energy production date
of Dec 31, 2019.
The process
Fourteen companies made the shortlist for the Ragged Island RFP, including two Bahamian jointventures. Of this number, four companies – all international – submitted responses, and after BPL vetted the applications, Salt Energy LLC was selected.
Said
Strachan, “This is another step for BPL in the direction of making renewable
energy and energy conservation points of focus.”
Strachan added that the project, once completed, will reduce the operating cost on the island. At present, Ragged Island operates at a cost level higher than the revenue generated by the island.
“While
this will likely remain the same after the installation is complete, the
magnitude of the deficit will be reduced, while gaining the other benefits of
this green solution,” he said.
The
Ragged Island RFP closed on Friday June 7th, 2019.
Media Contact: K. Quincy Parker
Director, Public Relations
kqparker@bplco.com