FortisTCI Generation Expansion Program Prepares TCI for Future Growth in Energy Demand into 2020
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Thursday, May 3, 2018) – A new Wärtsilä generator arrived at FortisTCI’s Providenciales site on Leeward Highway today, the first phase of the company’s generation expansion program outlined in its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The purchase ensures that FortisTCI is prepared to meet projected growth in electricity demand from 2019, and into the future. Having a world-class electricity system gives the Turks and Caicos Islands a competitive advantage for inward investment.
FortisTCI made its first purchase from Wärtsilä Finland in 2010. The company selected Wärtsilä for its fuel efficiency, reliable operation, and the technical support available within the region. The company signed the most recent agreement with Wärtsilä in April 2017, and construction of the engine hall began three months after, in July 2017. With the arrival of the generator onsite today, installation work will commence immediately. Commissioning is scheduled for November 2018. Once installed, FortisTCI will have a new combined generating capacity of approximately 93MW across its service territories.
FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell said, “Serving one of the fastest growing economies in the region means that we must be prepared to meet the electricity needs of the country for the continued development and prosperity of these islands.” Mr. Powell continued, “It is also important that when preparing for future electricity needs, we take a long-term view. As technology evolves and new generation options that are least-cost, reliable options become available, they too will be considered for inclusion in the country’s energy mix. That is why, in addition to diesel fuel, our generation expansion plans will also include the integration of more renewable energy, as well as other form of hydrocarbons, like natural gas, as we look further into the future.”
Generation options that are technically and financially feasible for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are evaluated through the IRP process. One such generation option is grid-tied solar, which FortisTCI offers to customers across its service territory. FortisTCI has also received conditional approval for the integration of a 1MW utility-scale solar project that will be installed at various sites across the TCI.
This project will begin in 2018, and is the first utility-scale solar generation for the country, further diversifying TCI’s energy profile.
