The Anguilla Electricity Company, LTD (ANGLEC) recently finalized a nine month Request for Proposals (RFP) or bidding process for the development and commissioning of a 1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the vicinity of its diesel based generation plant in Corito, Anguilla. This extensive exercise started some time ago with the evaluation of approximately twenty proposals from developers in 11 different countries including Anguilla, other Caribbean islands, USA and Europe. The list was narrowed to nine finalist and the selection of the winning bidder, Uriel Renewables, Inc. (Uriel) (a multinational company based out of Madrid, Spain),
“This plant will be ideally located next to the existing ANGLEC generation plant,” said Mr. Sylvan Brooks, Systems Control Engineer responsible for generation and renewable energy at ANGLEC. Mr. Brooks continued to point out that “the plant will be connected to the central busbar network at the station similar to the existing diesel units. The Power Station Operators will be able to regulate the flow of electricity into the grid as they do today, with the ability to mitigate any adverse effects. Solar energy is an intermittent energy source, which mean it is considerably more sporadic under normal operational conditions compared to traditional fossil fuels which provide a constant reliable form of energy.” This presents a challenge for our small system in Anguilla.
Given the high percentage penetration (over 10%) of intermittent energy on a small grid such as Anguilla’s, efforts must be made to keep our grid stabilized. ANGLEC intends to maintain real-time continuous monitoring and control over plant production and output to ensure an efficient and reliable supply of electricity is provided to consumer at all times.
This initiative is done with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) whose Board of Directors approved a US $2.3 million low interest loan to finance the installation and commissioning of the 1 MW solar PV plant. The winning bidder, Uriel Renewables, Inc. (Uriel), a multinational company based out of Madrid, Spain, recently completed a 20 MW PV solar project in neighboring Puerto Rico. Uriel has much experience and expertise in the renewable energy sector within and outside of the region. Along with first-hand experience working with and designing systems for countries with similar climate and conditions as Anguilla, Uriel has extensive expertise in developing utility scale turn-key renewable energy projects throughout the world.
Mr. David Gumbs, CEO of ANGLEC, pointed out that the 1MW solar plant will –
a. allow ANGLEC to examine and assess its ability to incorporate intermittent renewable energy sources at large levels.
b. allow ANGLEC to achieve one of the highest penetration levels of intermittent renewable levels in the region and the world (expected to peak above 10%).
c. reduce ANGLEC and Anguilla’s dependence on fossil fuels.
d. diversify ANGLEC’s generation portfolio and thereby reducing generation risks for the utility.
e. reduce ANGLEC’s carbon emissions, which will enhance its environmental sustainability and responsibility.
f. reduce the Company’s exposure to future fuel price shocks.
The Company plans to make further announcements as the project develops.
The Anguilla Electricity Company, LTD
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
