Ocean Point Terminals, a world-class energy logistics hub, and BMR Energy, a Virgin Group company and developer, owner, and operator of clean energy projects in the Caribbean and Central America, announced Sunday that they are partnering to construct an approximately 10.00 MWdc/7.50 MWac ground-mounted utility-scale solar farm at Ocean Point Terminals on St. Croix.
The facility will generate and deliver power to OPT’s marine logistics terminal and storage and blending complex, pursuant to a 20-year lease and operation and maintenance agreement, according to a press release announcing the partnership.
The facility will be located on a site across from OPT’s Administration Building and adjacent to a housing estate owned by OPT, with construction expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022. The project will meaningfully reduce OPT’s operating costs and emissions and will significantly increase clean, renewable energy in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the release stated.
“We worked closely with BMR to design a solution that meets our energy requirements, lowers our energy costs, reduces our carbon footprint, and helps to retain our competitive position as the largest terminal, storage, and blending facility in the Caribbean,” said Todd Dillabough, Ocean Point Terminals’ CEO. “The project is on a fast track to begin construction this year and reach commercial operation in early 2023.”
The solar farm will include more than 18,000 photovoltaic modules, according to the release. Designed with strengthened racking, foundations, and module connection systems, it will be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 mph, it said.
“This is a unique opportunity to further our commitment in the U.S. Virgin Islands and to continue diversifying its energy resources with one of the most important companies and employers in the territory,” said Bruce Levy, BMR Energy CEO.
This will be BMR Energy’s third solar project in operation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. BMR Energy also provides clean, sustainable electricity through its 6.4 MW solar farm in Donoe, St. Thomas, and its 5 MW solar farm in Spanish Town, St. Croix, the release stated.
