Grenada’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has launched a call to prequalify bidders for a 15.1 MWp solar project at Maurice Bishop International Airport, as part of the island’s energy transition.
Grenada’s PURC has launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to prequalify bidders for an Independent Power Producer (IPP) tender. The project aims to establish a 15.1 MWp solar system at Maurice Bishop International Airport, marking an important step in the island’s energy transition.
The proposed PV project – first unveiled in September but launched in November – will consist of three separate power stations, integrated into the national grid through Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenlec). Authorities say this is in line with the country’s broader goals to improve its renewable energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The successful bidder will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Grenlec, the country’s sole utility, and enter into a long-term relationship to operate and maintain the solar power plants.
The Grenada RE Project is a key part of the national renewable energy strategy as it aims to achieve 100% renewable energy for both the electricity and transport sectors by 2030. The national energy landscape is currently dominated by fossil fuels, but this new project is expected to increase the capacity of renewable energy sources and reduce the cost of electricity generation through large-scale solar energy and potential battery storage systems.
Potential IPPs are expected to submit prequalification applications by December 8, 2024, with the opportunity to be shortlisted for the subsequent request for proposal (RFP) phase, expected in January 2025.
The PURC, along with partners such as the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), will oversee the procurement process, with an evaluation committee reviewing submissions. The successful IPP will be responsible for the financing, design, construction and maintenance of the airport’s PV infrastructure.
Grenlec, meanwhile, will upgrade the network infrastructure and build a new substation to support the integration of the solar power plants. The project is designed to contribute to national renewable energy targets and increase energy resilience at the airport, which will be equipped with a microgrid that can provide reliable power during extended power outages.
For the prequalification phase, applicants must demonstrate their experience with utility-scale solar projects, including financing, engineering and integration with existing energy systems. This is part of a broader initiative to diversify Grenada’s energy sources and meet international climate commitments, including a 40% emissions reduction by 2030.
The PURC will notify applicants of their qualification status following evaluation of the RFP. Only those who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to submit proposals for the RFP, which will outline the full scope of work for the airport’s solar PV project.
Statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) show that Grenada had 4 MW of cumulative installed solar capacity at the end of 2023.
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