In a significant move toward energy independence and climate resilience, Saint Lucia is preparing to launch its second industrial-scale solar project—a 10 MW photovoltaic installation paired with a 26 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS). The project, set to be tendered later this year, marks a key milestone in the island nation’s transition away from fossil fuel dependency and toward distributed renewable energy.
Backed by St Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), the initiative will be developed on a 70-acre site on the island’s southwest coast. Once complete, the system will connect to LUCELEC’s 66 kV transmission grid, reinforcing local grid stability while increasing renewable energy penetration.
Elevating C&I Energy Storage in the Caribbean
Unlike small-scale residential solar systems, this project falls within the commercial and industrial energy storage (C&I ESS) category—a sector gaining momentum globally as utilities and enterprises seek to reduce peak demand charges, stabilize power quality, and hedge against fuel price volatility.
The proposed battery storage component, rated at 13 MW / 26 MWh, will provide two hours of dispatchable energy—an essential feature in island grids prone to fluctuations due to intermittent solar generation. This positions Saint Lucia not only to firm up its renewable capacity but also to reduce curtailment risks and diesel generator reliance during peak hours or cloudy periods.
Tendering Process and International Collaboration
LUCELEC has announced that a formal request for proposals (RFP) will be issued in September, with submissions due by the end of October. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026. The project has also drawn international expertise: Canadian engineering firm Hatch Ltd. has been engaged as the owner’s engineer, ensuring technical oversight meets global standards.
While LUCELEC welcomes early expressions of interest from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, it emphasizes that the selection process will remain open and competitive until the RFP phase is formally launched.
A Measured but Steady Renewable Expansion
Though still modest in scale, Saint Lucia’s renewable energy portfolio is steadily growing. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country’s installed solar capacity is expected to reach 5 MW by the end of 2024—up from 4 MW in 2023. Its first major solar installation, a 3 MW plant near Hewanorra International Airport, set the precedent for utility-scale renewables on the island.
This new 10 MW project more than triples the size of any previous solar venture in Saint Lucia and adds a critical layer of battery energy storage—a component absent in the earlier installation.
Strategic Implications for Island Energy Systems
Island nations like Saint Lucia face unique energy challenges, including high electricity costs driven by imported fossil fuels and limited grid flexibility. Solar-plus-storage systems represent a transformative solution. By investing in C&I-scale ESS, LUCELEC not only enhances energy security but also creates the technical foundation for future innovations such as virtual power plants and demand response programs.
Moreover, this development may catalyze similar investments across the Caribbean, where the push for climate-resilient infrastructure is tightly coupled with renewable energy adoption.
