Bryan administration announced Honeywell-VIElectron battery storage and solar partnership for U.S. Virgin Islands

Government House said on January 26, 2024, that the Bryan administration was moving forward with a partnership involving Honeywell and VIElectron, a CB Loranger company, to deploy battery energy storage systems at six solar parks in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to the statement, the project was intended to support solar generation and reduce electricity costs. Government House said the U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority would acquire the assets.

The administration said WAPA ownership would provide access to $320 million in federal funds, reduce generation costs, and give the utility control over development of the projects. The statement also said Honeywell batteries would provide grid-forming capabilities and that the solar facilities were designed to withstand winds of up to 185 mph.

Government House also said the fixed-price contract with VIElectron would shield ratepayers from fossil-fuel price swings for about 33% of power generation. The statement said St. John was expected to become the first U.S. state or territory fully powered by solar energy.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/us-virgin-islands-embarks-on-a-resilient-and-sustainable-energy-revolution-with-historic-honeywell-partnership/