Significant Strides have been Made in Bolstering Energy Infrastructure on Island
The Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour and Energy says significant strides are being made in bolstering its energy infrastructure.
It is reporting that a high-speed generator was commissioned successfully, while efforts are continuing to procure a medium-speed generator.
The ministry says these vital investments, made possible through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) Essential Equipment Programme, underscore the Government of Montserrat's unwavering commitment to ensuring a more robust and reliable national electricity system.
Montserrat Utilities Limited MUL confirmed the successful commissioning of the new refurbished 2 Mega Watt High Speed containerised generator, labelled as No. 5B, procured from Ring Power Corporation after significant market engagement earlier this year, is now online and actively generating power to the grid.
MUL says it is grateful to Sean Hartley of Amandla Engineering who once again played a pivotal role, spending one week on site to integrate the generator, enabling its seamless control and monitoring from the control room.
In addition to this significant achievement, Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL) continues to lead the efforts for the ongoing medium-speed generator procurement, working closely with the Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour, and Energy, Programme Management Office and the local engineering team.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour, and Energy, highlighted the significance of these projects, stating that the successful commissioning of the high-speed generator provides immediate strengthening to the stability of Montserrat's electricity generation.
He said he was grateful for the support of the UK Government, Governor's Office, MUL colleagues, Permanent Secretary Beverley Mendes, the PMO and Procurement Unit for the investment and collaborative work to mobilise this capital equipment in short order, delivering benefits to residents and businesses.
Attention now turns to the new medium speed generator.
The team from Anglo Belgium Corporation (ABC), the the provider of the generator, is already on the ground in Montserrat, advising the local team of engineers on enabling works and installations.
The commissioning of the new medium speed generator is expected early in the new year 2024. Together, these projects will help to deliver improved reliability and stability of the national electricity system, rapid response capabilities to address peak electricity demands, improved local capabilities through training and development of local engineering team, progress towards Montserrat's long-term energy resilience strategy with the medium-speed generator.
According to MCWLE Montserrat acknowledges the significance of these investments and their potential to create a more dependable and resilient power supply for its community.
It says further updates on the commissioning of the medium speed generator will be provided soon.