The Government and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority are examining plans for a major renewable energy facility capable of producing approximately 55 megawatts of electricity.

Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas said the proposed development forms part of an urgent effort to reduce Antigua and Barbuda’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

One potential location being studied is approximately 320 acres of land within the Potworks Dam basin.

Nicholas said solar panels could potentially be elevated above sections of the basin, allowing the site to generate electricity while reducing the evaporation of stored water.

Technical studies are expected to determine whether the proposal is practical and how the project could be financed.

Antigua’s peak electricity demand currently stands at approximately 67 megawatts, making the proposed 55-megawatt project a potentially significant part of the country’s future energy mix.

Nicholas said a renewable energy consultant has been engaged to work with APUA and the Ministry of Utilities.

The recently strengthened Department of Energy is also expected to work with the Department of Environment on renewable energy projects.

Nicholas said the Government hopes to develop and finance the proposed solar facility within the next 36 months, with construction potentially beginning within approximately 46 months.

“The urgency is now. It is a fierce urgency because we cannot sit idly by and allow another fuel spike to occur,” he said.

Officials stressed, however, that solar power must be accompanied by battery storage and upgrades to the national electricity grid to maintain a reliable supply.