Oval reaps rewards with solar ‘cost-cutter’ ahead of T20 World Cup

Months after the Caribbean’s cricketing mecca, Kensington Oval, took the significant step of incorporating solar panels into its energy mix, it appears to be reaping rewards. 

The move aimed to bring the venue’s annual $1 million electricity bill under control. Damien Gaskin, chairman of Kensington Oval Management Inc (KOMI), told reporters during a media tour of the venue ahead of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup that the ambitious solar power initiative holds significant environmental and economic benefits. Additionally, it aligns with the island’s broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, he said.

Once fully operational, the system is estimated to generate between 700 and 800 kilowatts of power. This large-scale renewable energy effort is expected to drastically reduce the Oval’s annual electricity expenses.  

“The benefit is twofold, from a monetary standpoint. We have historically spent hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on electricity. So that bill will be significantly reduced by the system,” the chairman noted. “And then the impact, in terms of, you know, as an island, I think we’ve committed to being net zero by 2030.

“We were of the opinion that Kensington Oval should be one of the leading facilities on the island with respect to attaining that goal as well. So, you know, we pursued it aggressively in order to install panels in every possible space at the Oval.”

Solar panels have been installed on various structures at the Oval, including the Peter Short Media Centre, the 3Ws, Hall and Griffith Stand, Greenidge and Haynes, and Hewitt and Inniss stands, and the perimeter area surrounding the Oval, to ensure maximum energy production. Additionally, there were initial plans to install panels on a carport on the eastern side of the cricket ground but this has changed with the addition of the new grandstand.  

The KOMI chairman also revealed the Oval has undertaken other upgrades to enhance energy efficiency. 

“So, between 700 and 800 kilowatts, that’ll save a few hundred thousand dollars a year on electricity and, you know, bring us close to being net zero as a facility,” Gaskin said. “Along with those upgrades, we’ve transitioned from conventional lighting to LEDs and are using inverters for the air conditioning units.

“We want to reduce our usage and increase our production so that we can achieve net zero or even a surplus in terms of our production relative to our use. The investment has already been made … it was probably a couple of million dollars that we spent on the photovoltaic (PV) system … [which] should pay for itself within four or five years.” (RG)