NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC -The Bahamas has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for important photo voltaic vitality infrastructure for as much as 100MW in New Windfall, which the federal government says is “an essential element of our bigger package deal of vitality reforms and upgrades.”
Prime Minister Phillip Davis, talking on the New Windfall Photo voltaic Power RFP, stated for a lot too lengthy, excessive costs and unreliability have damage Bahamian households and companies, undermining progress and prosperity.
“We’re constructing a brand new vitality actuality for our nation – one that’s cleaner, extra reasonably priced, and extra dependable. Immediately, we’re taking an enormous step ahead with an RFP for a major photo voltaic vitality infrastructure of as much as 100MW….
“This Request for Proposal is a vital part of our bigger reforms to the vitality sector, which characteristic large investments and upgrades in how we generate and retailer vitality. Together with new photo voltaic vitality in New Windfall, we’re considerably increasing the usage of photo voltaic vitality on our Household Islands.”
Davis instructed the ceremony that he doesn’t assume it’s an exaggeration to say that these vitality reforms symbolize a turning level for The Bahamas.
“We’re exhibiting that in The Bahamas, we are able to harness the solar’s plentiful vitality, scale back our reliance on imported fuels, and take cost of our vitality future. Powering extra of our vitality wants with the solar aligns with our values, financial wants, and environmental obligations.
“Whereas we open these bids globally, we give attention to empowering Bahamians. We’re dedicated to making sure these developments convey jobs, expertise, and expertise coaching to our shores. My stance is evident: Bahamian alternatives come first,” he added.
In the meantime, talking on the launch of a coaching program for the set up and upkeep of photo voltaic photovoltaic common methods, Prime Minister Davis stated the thrilling factor about vitality reform is that together with the substantial advantages that go together with creating cleaner, extra reasonably priced, and extra dependable vitality.
He stated over the previous two years, with the inception of the “Reconstruction with Resilience” vitality venture, the Ministry of Finance has accomplished Part I of the New Windfall Photo voltaic Photovoltaic Rooftop initiatives, together with the solarisation of three native faculties.
Davis stated that Part 2, which is underway, might be extra intensive and that the staff can be within the technique of finishing the set up of solar energy technology methods for the Cooper’s City Medical Clinic and the hospital and Authorities Advanced.
“Now we have additionally secured important approval in precept from the Inter-American Improvement Financial institution (IDB) for a pilot venture. This venture will depend on the progressive Erthos expertise, which might be simply put in and requires considerably much less land area than the standard ground-mounted methods,” he added, “this expertise will allow us to roll out a extra reasonably priced different vitality answer for our Household Islands.
Prime Minister Davis stated that the Ministry of Finance, along with Bahamas Energy & Gentle, can be working in the direction of main upgrades in Abaco, together with putting in a brand new underground cable to exchange the present cable in Leisure Lee and putting in new cables on the Authorities Advanced.
“Funds from the IDB mortgage will allocate US$14.7 million to finish a 25-megawatt battery vitality storage system on the Blue Hills Energy Station. This state-of-the-art facility might be a standout throughout the area and can present an estimated US$43 million in potential financial savings in gas prices that might be handed on on to households in New Windfall,” Davis stated, including that as well as, preparation for the set up of micro-grids in 5 settlements in East Grand Bahama is underway.
“Immediately, I’m proud to witness the implementation of one more side of my authorities’s Blueprint for Change: repositioning and re-energizing BTVI as a regional chief in coaching and creating new alternatives for Bahamians throughout the Inexperienced Financial system.
“I stay grateful to our EU companions, with whom we signed an settlement in March 2022, for supporting this coaching program with a grant of 9 million US {dollars},” he stated.
“We face the numerous challenges of working in a turbulent international economic system, altering geopolitics, and really substantial dangers related to a quickly altering local weather.
There isn’t any query this can be a complicated panorama to navigate. However we additionally see many alternatives to be strategic and to create new alternatives for our individuals,” Davis stated, noting that the brand new and improved renewable vitality program will embody coaching within the set up and upkeep of photo voltaic photovoltaic technology methods and different associated companies; measures for supporting industries throughout the photo voltaic renewable vitality trade; in addition to additional help for workers and college students.
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