St Kitts breaks ground for second solar farm

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas says St Kitts/Nevis hopes to become the world’s first sustainable island state as construction in the second solar farm is about to begin.

At Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the solar farm, the Prime Minister said this development underscores the government’s commitment to lower the cost of electricity.

“Our country takes another leap forward, a very giant leap in our programme of energy cost reduction and electricity costs reduction. Today, your Government undergirds its commitment to free us all from the fossil fuel reliance which has burdened so many countries for so very long, and to harness the power of the sun – a power which Nature has given to us in such great abundance in this very beautiful country, St Kitts and Nevis.”

He said two more solar farms which will be constructed and together will generate one megawatt of power for St Kitts.

“The second farm will, in all likelihood, be located in the rural parts of St Kitts, and my enthusiasm over this first farm getting under way is directly linked to the knowledge that a second farm is also sure to follow,” the Prime Minister said.

Construction of the plant is being funded by the St Kitts Electricity Corporation (SKELEC) and Taiwan.

The power company is assuming 45 per cent of the cost and Taiwan 55 per cent of the costs.

The first solar farm commissioned in September 2013 generates electricity for the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport.