The Green Energy Park (“GEP”) is a planned renewable energy and waste-management hub at the Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre (“SBRC”) in Vaucluse, St. Thomas. At its core will be a 25 MW baseload generation plant combining 20 MW of biomass generation with a 5 MW waste-to-energy (“WtE”) facility, together with photovoltaic (“PV”) solar generation co-located at the site.
By integrating complementary renewable technologies, GEP will provide dependable low-carbon electricity while supporting the more sustainable management of Barbados’ waste and biomass resources.
Delivering Cleaner Energy and Lasting Benefits for Barbados
GEP will help address one of Barbados’ most pressing environmental challenges by converting non-recyclable municipal solid waste into useful energy. The project is expected to reduce substantially the volume of waste requiring landfill disposal and help mitigate landfill-related odours, smoke, pests and other impacts on surrounding communities.
By providing dependable renewable baseload power, GEP will strengthen national energy security, help replace ageing heavy-fuel-oil generation and support the integration of additional solar and wind energy. It will also create construction and skilled long-term employment, generate opportunities for farmers and local suppliers, encourage responsible development in the surrounding area and enable broader Barbadian participation in the ownership of essential energy infrastructure.
GEP is being advanced in close engagement with the Government of Barbados, the Sanitation Service Authority, Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (“BLPC”) and IDB Invest. The Power Purchase Agreement has been agreed with BLPC and is progressing through independent financier review and the regulatory approval process. An Advisory Services Client Beneficiary Agreement with IDB Invest provides grant-funded technical expertise and support for the project’s development.
The biomass fuel supply study has been completed and supports a phased transition towards local biomass, consistent with the Fair Trading Commission requirement for at least 80% of the project’s biomass fuel to be sourced locally within eight years. Stantec has been appointed to undertake the preliminary technical feasibility study and the environmental and social impact assessment programme.
Stakeholders
WCC is the lead sponsor of GEP. It has negotiated a Power Purchase Agreement with BLPC reflecting the tariff framework and conditions established by the FTC, BLPC’s technical and commercial requirements, and the project’s wider benefits to Barbados.
Through an Advisory Services Client Beneficiary Agreement, IDB Invest is providing grant-funded advisory support and international technical expertise to strengthen the project’s development and financing readiness.
Williams Caribbean Capital: ("WCC") is headquarterfed in Barbados and has invested into renewable energy via the issuance by Williams Renewable Energy Limited of Green Energy Bonds. WCC is majority owned by the Barbados company Williams Industries Inc.
Barbados Light and Power Company ("BLPC") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Caribbean and currently the sole electricity utility provider in the country of Barbados. It started operations on 17 June 1911. The company has over 100,000 customers and is increasing it use of renewable energy fuel.
Government of Barbados ("GoB"). The Government of Barbados (GoB) is the key custodian of the interests of the people of Barbados, shaping policy, driving sustainable economic growth and improving living standards. The Sanitation Service Authority (“SSA”) will be a key government body for the GEP, while the Fair Trading Commission (“FTC”) is the principal regulator of the energy sector.
International Development Bank: ("IDB") is a leading development finance institution supporting sustainable private-sector growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. Its involvement in Green Energy Park brings valuable international expertise, rigorous environmental and social standards, and strong support for the project’s successful development.
Other Key Stakeholders:
Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre (“SBRC”) operates Barbados's waste-processing facility at Vaucluse, managing the island’s municipal solid waste.
Stantec. Leading Engineering Consultancy who is carrying out the Technical and Enivronmental Impact Assessment.
Beck Group. Leading US Consultancy who carried out the Fuel Study.