The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday said the government is investing $4.9m to install micro grids across east Grand Bahama.

Senator Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for finance, told the Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference that the roll-out is part of an initiative to rebuild Dorian-devastated energy infrastructure in a more resilient way by incorporating renewable energy sources into the grid.

Speaking to the project, which is being led by the Ministry of Finance with financing provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mr Thompson said: “Micro grids will allow this area to be powered by renewable energy while running independently from the main power grid.

“Solar-powered energy will be used to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, while simultaneously minimising the impact on our environment. The isolation feature will become particularly useful in the event of future natural disasters as the micro grids can separate themselves from areas experiencing complications, meaning power can still be provided to those in unaffected areas.”

This project will begin later in 2021 and continue into 2022. The first phase, starting in September, involves Sweeting’s Cay and McLean’s Town, and will enable power distribution into the neighbouring cays and Pelican Point. The second phase will start in November and involve installations in Free Town and High Rock that will also provide power to Rocky Creek.

Mr Thompson said: “In east Grand Bahama, the government has already begun its solar street lighting project. Solar lights will be installed on poles to provide much-needed lighting for residents of McLean’s Town, Sweetings Cay, Pelican Point, High Rock, Freetown and Water Cay.”

The work is estimated to be completed within two months, and up to ten people will be directly employed on the project. Mr Thompson said additional work will be provided through sub-contractors, with the hope that these microgrid systems will be a model for every Bahamian community.