St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) is excited has announced its plans for the construction of a new power plant and supporting infrastructure on the northern Grenadine island of Bequia.
“This initiative forms part of our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy to meet the island’s needs and contribute to its long-term development,” the company said in a press release.
The proposed project aims to construct a new, modern power plant in Bequia with the inclusion of a 1300 kW battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability and improve the integration of supplementary renewable energy sources.
The new plant, which will replace the existing power station that was first established in 1968, will occupy an area of approximately 600 square metres (1,800 square feet) at the same location.
The project is being executed under the management of local consulting firms Reputable Consultancy Services Limited and Island Engineering Consulting in a joint venture.
To ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability objectives, an environmental and social impact assessment will commence this month and is expected to span approximately 10 weeks, VINLEC said.
This process will involve a comprehensive study of potential environmental effects, as well as strategies to mitigate and manage any impacts.
“VINLEC is committed to open and transparent communication throughout this project and will actively engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and insights. The company looks forward to working collaboratively with the community throughout the development process,” the press statement said.