Turks’ Largest Solar Project
This Fall, Compass Power will break ground on Turks and Caicos’ first solar plus battery microgrid. The Bahamas-based energy company signed a contract with FortisTCI for the $8 million project, as to lower the cost of energy production on those islands.
The microgrid will power 30 percent of the electricity supply on North and Middle Caicos, and 91 percent of the electricity supply on Salt Cay by 2024. This being the nation’s largest green energy investment to date, this is also an opportunity for 10-15 Turks and Caicos Islanders’ to receive on-the-job training alongside the Compass Power workforce.
While recognizing minor logistical issues with an international project, Compass Power principal, Justin Cunningham noted that employing Turks and Caicos residents will ensure that the project stays on schedule.
“We look forward to integrating Turks and Caicos Islanders into the project,” he said. “Our goal is to train as much local talent as possible, building skill sets, and thus paving the way for future renewable energy projects for Turks and Caicos and their communities.”
Construction on the twin islands will begin in October, and the solar system installation is slated to be completed in 2024. The solar plus battery microgrid on Salt Cay is expected to be operational in 2024, as well. Both microgrids will be connected to the islands’ primary grid, and will be able to disconnect and operate independently.
This is Compass Power’s first collaboration with FortisTCI, Turks and Caicos’ public electricity provider—a collaboration that Compass Power is proud to support.
“We are proud to support the needs of Turks and Caicos. We look forward to assisting FortisTCI to provide green, resilient and renewable energy to residents in the form of a solar plus battery microgrid,” Cunningham said.
According to FortisTCI president, Ruth Forbes, FortisTCI “is making significant steps to transform how we produce and distribute energy in Turks and Caicos Islands.”
She added: “Reducing our dependence on imported diesel fuel, expanding renewable energy integration, and lowering the cost of electricity over time are all a part of the sustainable energy future we are building for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Both companies agreed that this project will propel the Caribbean on meeting its climate change goals, while leading the region on its climate target plan.
