Wind energy to power 60% of Grenada’s largest island
The island of Grenada is home to arguably the highest electricity cost in the Caribbean at a rate of US₵ 60/ kWh [1] compared with US₵42/ kWh in Jamaican and as US₵20/ kWh in Trinidad and Tobago [2]. The average Grenadian pays a significant sum of their monthly income for electricity generation especially those who use electricity to heat their water at home [1].
The small Caribbean territory consists of three islands – Grenada with 120 square miles and about 90,000 inhabitants, Carriacou with 13 square miles and a population of about 5,000 and Petite Martinique with about 486 acres. Nicknamed the Isle of Spice, Grenada is a major producer of nutmeg, cinnamon, mace and cocoa. Grenada is one of the world’s largest exporters, this too heavily impacts their electricity bill and their annual oil imports.
Although its proximity to oil and gas-rich Trinidad and Tobago makes it a likely source of as-yet-undiscovered gas and oil, Grenada also seeks to capitalize on its wealth of renewable resources. Grenada has decided to launch a comprehensive assessment of potential renewable resources including wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar energy [3].
In a bid to liberalise the electricity sector the government of the country is working towards using wind energy to power 60% of the largest island: Carriacou. The organizers is expecting that this step will significantly reduce the cost of electricity on the island. The proceeding press release provided by the Jamaica Gleaner will provide additional information on the island’s Renewable Energy quest. It would be interesting to see Jamaica, considered one of the most inefficient electricity providers in the Caribbean follow suit and become more serious about exploiting their renewable energy potential.
Grenada says it will use funds provided by the World Bank to facilitate the liberalisation of its electricity sector as part of an initiative being undertaken by other countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Public Utilities Minister Gregory Bowen told Parliament that EC$1.4 million from the World Bank would be used to facilitate the process.
“I want to assure the nation that a steering committee will be formulated and become active in ensuring we work with the other countries for the liberalisation of the electricity sector,” Bowen said.
He added that initial indications are that once the system remains the same a reduction in electricity rates will not be realised.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Bowen said the wind turbine project in Carriacou will be pursued as an alternative source of energy in Grenada.
“This is a over three million euros grant to Grenada, though the Grenada Electricity Services Company (GRENLEC) is putting some funding into it. But we want to ensure that the lease does not go to the detriment of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” Bowen told legislators.
In his budget presentation last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said his administration would seek to expedite the implementation of a wind-energy project in Carriacou, which is a partnership involving the European Union and GRENLEC.
He said that by using wind turbines the project will meet about 60 per cent of Carriacou’s electricity needs.
“Government is strongly committed to the increased use of renewable energy in Grenada. In this regard, private investment is essential and will be pursued as a major priority,” Mitchell added.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
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Comments (11)
Business Kimroy, why not put your proposals to the Grenadian Government? Just thinking.
Jamaica needs to become much more serious about doing likewise
the Jamaican government would only be interested if there was a back end deal that lines their pockets first
Thank God!! Grenada is going ahead with wind …Jamaica to follow!
when dat ?
I really find your interesting and I think that jamaica should do something similar to Grenada. with the money that they are going to get from the IMF. I think that they should reinvest in renewable energy, especially in solar lighting since jamaica is known for sun. I think that we have a lot of land that we can use to make plants. I know that it will be expensive at first but after a while it will reduce jamaicans light bills and also reduce our oil import.
Great Idea Remaro, but unfortunately IMF don’t allow persons to invest their funds into projects like these. A solar farm is a great idea, will be expensive but will also pay for itself and reduce oil importation across the region.
Very good, i like you.And say and say ………. It’s greatttttttttttt……..
If every country would do the same thing, I bet electricity bills wont be much of a big problem today.. BTW… great plan!! Go for it!
Great work Kimroy, I have also taken up the mantel of renewable energy here in Barbados. Currently i am enrol in a masters program @ UWI Cave Hill in renewable energy management. We need to continue reminding the masses of the importance of generating our electricity from renewable sources. Global warming and climate change are indeed at our door step and we need to be actively engage in the mitigation process..
Keep the good work up
Kevin