~At Hope Estate, Walter Nisbeth Road parking lot~
PHILIPSBURG--NV GEBE is advancing solar generation and battery storage projects as St. Maarten seeks to address its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuel and strengthen energy security, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said Wednesday.
GEBE's plans include approximately 4 megawatts of ground-mounted solar capacity at Hope Estate and approximately 2.5 megawatts of solar car-port capacity at the Walter Nisbeth Road (Pondfill Road) parking lot.
A battery energy storage system is expected to provide approximately 25 to 26 megawatt-hours of storage capacity, supported by approximately 11 megawatts of inverter capacity. Proposed locations include Pond Island, Zagersgut and Mullet Bay.
Mercelina said the projects will support grid stability, improve energy security and allow more renewable energy to be integrated into the national electricity network.
The battery system would allow energy generated from the sun to be stored and used when demand is higher or when additional support is needed by the grid.
Mercelina said St. Maarten's dependence on imported fossil fuel exposes residents and businesses to unpredictable changes in international fuel prices.
Government is also working to finalize the role of a regulatory advisor of BTP, which Mercelina said would have an advisory function for the Minister of TEATT concerning energy pricing for consumers.
He said the additional Cg 400,000 in utility support, bringing total support to Cg1.5 million for 2027, also demonstrates that the government is responding to the community's needs.
“The renewable energy and battery storage project that I just mentioned demonstrates that we are also planning for the future,” Mercelina said.
