The Bahamas Predicting New Socio-Economic Opportunities From Solar Energy Developments

NASSAU, Bahamas - The Bahamas has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for significant solar energy infrastructure for up to 100MW in New Providence which the government says is “an important component of our larger package of energy reforms and upgrades”.

Prime Minister Phillip Davis addressing New Providence Solar Energy RFPPrime Minister Phillip Davis, speaking at the New Providence Solar Energy RFP, said for far too long, high prices and unreliability have hurt Bahamian families and businesses, undermining progress and prosperity.

“We are building a new energy reality for our country – one that is cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable. Today, we are taking a very big step forward, with an RFP for significant solar energy infrastructure up to 100MW….

“This Request for Proposal is a very important component of our larger reforms to the energy sector, which feature massive investments and upgrades in how we generate, and store energy. Along with new solar energy in New Providence, we are significantly expanding the use of solar energy on our Family Islands.”

Davis told the ceremony that he does not think it’s an exaggeration to say that these energy reforms represent a turning point for The Bahamas.

“We are showing that in The Bahamas, yes, we can harness the sun’s abundant energy, reduce our reliance on imported fuels, and take charge of our energy future. Powering more of our energy needs with the sun aligns with our values, our economic needs, and our environmental responsibilities.

“While we open these bids globally, our focus is on empowering Bahamians. We’re committed to ensuring these developments bring jobs, technology, and skills training to our shores. My stance is clear: Bahamian opportunities come first,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking at the launch of a training programme for the installation and maintenance of solar photo-voltaic general systems, Prime Minister Davis said the exciting thing about energy reform is that along with the substantial benefits that go along with creating cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy.

He said over the past two years, with the inception of the “Reconstruction with Resilience” energy project, the Ministry of Finance has completed Phase I of the New Providence Solar Photovoltaic Rooftop projects, including the solarisation of three local schools.

Davis said that Phase 2, which is underway, will be more extensive and that the team is also in the process of completing the installation of solar power generation systems for the Cooper’s Town Medical Clinic and the hospital and Government Complex.

“We have also secured significant approval in principle from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a pilot project.This project will rely on the innovative Erthos technology, which can be easily installed and requires significantly less land space than the traditional ground-mounted systems,” he said, adding “this technology will enable us to roll out a more affordable alternative energy solution for our Family Islands.

Prime Minister Davis said that the Ministry of Finance, in conjunction with Bahamas Power & Light, is also working towards major upgrades in Abaco, including the installation of a new underground cable to replace the existing cable in Leisure Lee, and the installation of new cables at the Government Complex.

“Funds from the IDB loan will be used to allocate US$14.7 million for the completion of a 25 mega watt battery energy storage system at the Blue Hills Power Station. This state-of-the-art facility will be a standout within the region, and will provide an estimated US$43 million in potential savings in fuel costs that will be passed on directly to households in New Providence,” Davis said, adding that in addition, preparation for the installation of micro-grids in five settlements in East Grand Bahama are under way.

“Today, I am proud to witness the implementation of yet another aspect of my government’s Blueprint for Change: repositioning and re-energizing BTVI as a regional leader in training, and creating new opportunities for Bahamians within the Green Economy.

“I remain grateful to our EU partners, with whom we signed an agreement in March 2022, for supporting this training programme with a grant of  nine million US dollars,” he said.

“We are facing the very significant challenges of operating in the context of a turbulent global economy, changing geopolitics, and very significant risks associated with a rapidly changing climate.

There is no question this is a difficult landscape to navigate. But we also see many opportunities to be strategic, and to create new opportunities for our people,” Davis said, noting that the new and improved renewable energy program will encompass training in the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic generation systems and other related services; measures for supporting industries within the solar renewable energy industry; as well as further support for staff and students.