By Arianna Neely
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
New energy agreements signed on April 9th will push the government’s
energy transformation process forward while providing cheaper, cleaner
more efficient power for residents of New Providence and three Family
Islands. Three Power purchase agreements were signed by Bahamas
Power and Light with Eco Energy for New Providence, EA Energy for
Abaco and Eleuthera and Exuma Renewable Energy Corporation for the
Exuma Islands.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis delivered remarks at the Eco Energy
Bahamas microgrid signing ceremony, stating that the partnership between
the government and Eco Energy Bahamas represents a fundamental shift
in how communities are powered.
“This installation will inject 20 megawatts of clean, renewable power into
our grid – transforming how we generate electricity in New Providence and
setting the standard for future solar projects throughout our islands. This is
just the beginning of a solar revolution. Moving forward, utility scale solar
will be the norm for our islands, not the exception, as we break free from
outdated energy models that have constrained our economic growth and
national development.”
In Abaco, EA Energy will develop a 30 MW LNG generation facility and 15
MWh battery energy storage system. In Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera 14 MW
LNG generation plant with 10 MW of solar capacity and 5 MWh battery
system. In Georgetown. Exuma, The Exumas Renewable Energy
Corporation will deliver 8.5 MW of LNG generation, 3MW of solar and
6MWh pf batter storage capacity.
The longstanding issue of consistent and efficient power on the Family
Islands has been a persistent challenge. Minister of Energy and Transport,
Jobeth Coleby-Davis, outlined the goals of these transformative projects.
“These projects will regulate resource management. Install energy storage
capacity, facilitate new generation capabilities and enhance sustainability
efforts. Further the development of the microgrids on these various islands
will ensure consistent and reliable power output for its inhabitants 24 hours
a day.”
Through these power purchase agreements (PPAs), energy infrastructure
on the Family Islands and New Providence will be modernized, reducing
the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Construction for this initiative
is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and be completed by the
third quarter of 2026.
