- SVG’s Energy Demand Exceeds Projections; Vinlec to Ramp Up Generator Capacity
The amount of energy utilised in St Vincent (SVG) is steadily increasing. Energy use in 2020 was 21.84 MW, but in 2023, customers used up to 23 MW.
Benarva Browne, Minister of Urban Development, stated that SVG has actually exceeded its predicted energy consumption in 2023, and that Vinlec, the island’s sole power supplier, will need to invest swiftly in power generators to meet demand.
”Holiday Inn Express and Sandals have not yet come on board, but we have already exceeded the numbers that we projected with them being on board. And this is because of many things. One of the main contributing factors was the temperature. With that increase in temperature last year, everybody was trying to get cool one way or another, and that affected power usage. So we saw that we had some high peaks.”
Browne asserted that the forecasted drought will have an impact on the price of energy.
“Our forecast calls for a period of drought, and this will mean that our hydroelectricity and the share of power generated by hydroelectricity will more than likely decrease, and that is bad news for the cost of energy.”
The Minister stated that Vinlec is actively seeking to enhance the production of sustainable energy in multiple locations throughout SVG. According to the minister , these projects are crucial and have encountered some financial obstacles.
“They’re looking at the improvement of a solar farm in Lowmans Bay. They’re also looking at other energy plants at Argyle and improving the energy plants at Argyle near the airport. But these things also come with issues related to funding and getting funding, and there have been some delays within the past year in getting this through lending agencies like CDB. But it’s of critical importance, so decisions have been made to fast-forward the procurement of more renewable energy equipment”.
“Vinlec this year would also be embarking on the upgrading and maintenance of the hydro lines in Cumberland. To facilitate more efficient production of energy in the future”, Browne stated.
Browne highlights that a significant issue associated with energy reliance on petroleum is the island’s susceptibility to fuel price disruptions and volatility caused by wars.
The minister affirmed that the government’s policy stance is to guarantee the utmost affordability and dependability of energy.
St. Vincent’s power generation is sourced from a combination of 80% petroleum, 18% hydro, and approximately 2% solar.
