Ocean Point Terminals on St. Croix.
Ocean Point Terminals recently announced that it has partnered with BMR Energy, a Virgin Group company and developer, owner and operator of clean energy projects in the Caribbean and Central America, to construct an approximately 10.00 MWdc/7.50 MWac ground-mounted utility-scale solar farm at Ocean Point Terminals on St. Croix.
According to the release, the facility will generate and deliver power to Ocean Point's marine logistics terminal, and storage and blending complex, pursuant to a 20-year lease and operation and maintenance agreement.
The facility will be located on a site across from the terminal's administration building and adjacent to a housing estate owned by Ocean Point, with construction expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022. Ocean Point said the project will meaningfully reduce its operating costs and emissions and will significantly increase clean renewable energy in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“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.”
Ocean Point said the solar farm will include more than 18,000 photovoltaic modules. Designed with strengthened racking, foundations and module connection systems, it will also be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 mph.
“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.
The project will be BMR Energy’s third solar farm 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.
