SKELEC commissions 6MW temporary power plant
Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 4th, 2024)— In a significant move towards ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity for the island of St. Kitts, the St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) has commissioned a 6MW temporary power plant, marking a key milestone in addressing the island’s growing electrical demands.
The 6MW Temporary Power Plant is one of a number of initiatives to improve the reliability of supply for our customers.
The plant’s commissioning will allow SKELEC to perform critical overhauls on its fixed generator fleet, including the 6MW Mirrlees Blackstone generator, the largest in the Federation. The temporary power plant is expected to be in operation for a period of 12 months in the first instance. This project has been realized through the kind support of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Mr. Jonathan Kelly, Engineering Manager of SKELEC, expressed his gratitude for the government’s support: “This 6MW rental power plant is an important step in stabilizing our electrical supply while we conduct vital maintenance on our infrastructure. We are grateful to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for supporting SKELEC’s initiative, and we remain committed to providing reliable electricity to the people of St. Kitts during this critical period.”
Looking ahead, the Minister announced that the government has secured a USD $40 million concessionary loan from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to procure and construct an 18MW dual-fuel power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) within 24 months. This project is a key component of the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), aimed at transitioning to cleaner energy and ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for the island.
This 6MW temporary power plant serves as a bridge to meet the island’s current energy needs while paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.