It was announced in March 2023 that a $15 million deal had been signed between the GBPA, the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), Lucayas Solar Power Ltd. and the Inter American Development Bank for the construction of the Devon and Fairfield solar power plants on the island of Grand Bahama. A commissioning ceremony was held on Monday morning to mark the completion of the Fairfield plant.
While addressing the gathering, President of Lucayas Solar Power, Jorge Marquez said, “we know by fact that other projects are going to come here in Freeport. Also we know the government is encouraging to do the same thing on the Family Islands and New Providence.”
Inti Corporation Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer, Owen Bethel said, “the energy produced here will not only power homes and businesses but it will also power economic growth and provide a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.”
President and Chief Operations Officer of Emera Caribbean Incorporated, Dave McGregor said, “at GBPC we firmly believe the benefits of renewable energy should be accessible to all, not just the privileged few. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond mere rhetoric.”
President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), Ian Rolle said that regulatory frame introduced by the GBPA set the stage for the solar plant “by ensuring a consistent regulatory environment that supports sustainable development.”
Also on hand for the commissioning ceremony was Minister of Transport and Energy, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis who highlighted the importance of transitioning to alternative energy sources. “The Fairfield site will provide 6 megawatts of solar generation and the Devon site, which will come online I’m told later sometime in June will provide 5 megawatts of solar generation. Together these two sites will produce electricity generation that is equivalent to around 6% of Grand Bahama’s current needs. This certainly is a step in the right direction.”
