Light & Power signs contract for Clean Energy Bridge

The Barbados Light & Power Company is pleased to announce that it has finalised negotiations with global energy company Wärtsilä to purchase a 33MW medium speed diesel power plant, which will be installed by mid-2020.

While the new power plant will be equipped to operate on heavy fuel oil, it will be capable of being retrofitted to burn natural gas.

The Company’s Managing Director Roger Blackman said, “We’re pleased that we have been able to reach this milestone in the project and, with the support of the Government of Barbados. This power plant, or Clean Energy Bridge project [CEB], will replace retiring generating capacity and reduce fuel imports and carbon emissions while supporting the transition to 100% renewables.

“Indeed, even after the island achieves the renewable energy targets, we believe that the CEB will be necessary as a back-up for grid reliability and resiliency,” Blackman said.

“Wärtsilä is pleased to be selected as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for this project. Wärtsilä will also support Light & Power by way of a three-year Maintenance Contract for spare parts and maintenance services. This includes Wärtsilä Asset diagnostic services, which will provide Light & Power with continuous follow up and support to allow for operating the assets in an efficient and safe way.

“The power generating facility we are providing consists of four high efficiency Wärtsilä 32 generating sets, with fast starting and loading capabilities. These attributes will complement Light & Power’s strategy for increasing renewable penetration on the electrical grid while ensuring system stability,” commented Rodney George, Vice President, Wärtsilä Caribbean Inc.

Light & Power and Wärtsilä look forward to completing this 2020 project safely and efficiently.