Plans in train to construct 50 community solar gardens across Barbados

Barbados-based renewable energy developer Blue Circle Energy is partnering with a company from Germany to build 50 solar projects, generating 60 MW of energy, across the island’s 11 parishes, starting next year.

Blue Circle Energy and Jurchen Technology, a  manufacturer of racking and DC cabling for solar power plants, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which they say paves the way for cutting-edge ground-mounted solar energy generation projects utilising the Germany-based company’s innovative PEG EW racking solution.

Under the agreement, Blue Circle Energy will deploy the PEG as its preferred racking/substructure across approximately the solar projects, referred to as Community Solar Gardens, adding to Barbados’ 30 MW solar portfolio and pushing the country closer toward being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Sol Ecolution is to fund the construction.

In a press release, Jurchen Technology said: “These projects, at different development stages, are expected to undergo construction in phases between 2024 and 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Upon completion, the Community Solar Gardens aim to generate 60 MW DC of total capacity. The decentralised nature of these projects will not only minimise short-term impacts on the electrical grid but also provide long-term grid support and resilience.”

According to Jurchen Technology, its PEG technology simplifies the installation process and enhances energy resiliency, even amidst the extreme weather conditions that the Caribbean frequently encounters.

The portfolio of solar generation projects will include battery energy storage systems either tethered to Barbados’ primary grid or spread across the project’s 50 sites.

Minister of Energy Lisa Cummins said the signing of the MOU is a remarkable milestone in Barbados’ renewable energy journey.

“The utilisation of Jurchen Technology’s innovative PEG EW racking solution in the construction of a 60 MW portfolio of ground-mounted solar energy generation projects across Barbados represents a significant leap forward towards our renewable energy goals,” she added. “This collaboration exemplifies Barbados’ commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and accelerating our progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.”

President of Blue Circle Energy Cameron Steinman is also enthusiastic about the development. He said the PEG technology has “surpassed our expectations and offers exceptional financial advantages for solar projects in Barbados”.

“Its cost-effectiveness, simplified installation process, reduced material usage, increased use of local labour, exceptional performance in high winds, and construction using handheld tools were all pivotal factors in our decision. During extensive testing across the island, the PEG rods demonstrated impressive foundational robustness. I eagerly anticipate the widespread deployment of PEG technology throughout Barbados, leveraging its immense potential to revolutionise the solar landscape,” he added.

CEO of Jurchen Technology US Corp Matthew Lusk commented that by partnering with Blue Circle Energy, his company would redefine the future of solar energy infrastructure in Barbados.

“I firmly believe that this PEG collaboration will set a new standard in the Caribbean, demonstrating the potential for innovative, low-cost solutions that can be used in large scale to help nations reach their renewable energy goals,” he said.

News of the MOU comes days after the Barbados Light & Power Company (BLPC) (BLPC) indicated that work on the long-touted Lambert’s Wind Farm Project in St Lucy is about to get started with several studies scheduled over the coming months.

BLPC, which is now undertaking the project in partnership with the government, said the partnership on the planned multi-million-dollar, 30-megawatt project, which is estimated to be the largest of its kind in the Caribbean, is to be carried out in partnership with the Energy Division of the Ministry of Energy and Business and the National Petroleum Corporation (NPC).

The power company said that from this month, consultants acting on behalf of the NPC will start the construction required to install the met masts for a wind measurement campaign.A met mast is a measuring tower that is used to verify the wind characteristics at a prospective site for a wind farm.

“Following the mast installations, the NPC’s consultants may be on-site from time to time to conduct a range of technical, environmental, and social feasibility studies. These studies will define the project area and layout, and assess environmental and social characteristics to estimate potential impacts and propose mitigation measures,” said BLPC.

The start of the project is coming five years after several missed target dates.

(PR/BT)