MPC Energy Solutions (MPCES) has announced that it has partnered with Leclanché to build the previously announced 35.7 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) and 18.2 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project designed with Leclanché Energy Management Software (L-EMS) in St. Kitts' Basseterre Valley, next to the capital city of Basseterre.
The project requires about US$ 74 million of investment and MPCES has acquired 40 percent ownership in the project's holding company, in which Leclanché owns 60 percent. MPCES will invest up to $ 17million.
"At COP26 in Glasgow, St. Kitts and Nevis presented a remarkable plan to reduce CO2 emissions by 61 percent by switching to 100 percent renewable energy. We in MPC Energy Solutions are happy and proud to be part of this important initiative through the development of this significant PV and battery project near the country's capital. The project will cover one-third of St. Kitts's baseload needs for the next 20-25 years while reducing the carbon dioxide emissions by more than 740,000 metric tonnes." said Martin Vogt, CEO at MPC Energy Solutions.
"With our ongoing mission to help the region's transition to cleaner energies, we seek to create strong partnerships that will reinforce our position as a leader in the energy market of Latin America and the Caribbean. Its strong technological expertise makes Leclanché a valuable partner that will undoubtedly help us do just that. This landmark project marks our entry into utility-scale hybrid projects that combine energy generation and storage. St Kitts and Nevis are one of several other countries within the Caribbean region that are committed to diversifying its generation base away from diesel-fueled thermal power, and promoting smarter, greener, and more resilient approaches that improve energy generation," added Martin Vogt.
The St. Kitts project, which is being built under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract by Leclanché, has a 20-year USD-denominated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the St. Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC), the only energy utility company on the island. The government of St. Kitts and Nevis leased the land in the Basseterre Valley to Leclanché under a 20-year agreement with the option of a five-year renewal. Groundbreaking of the project took place in December 2020.
Anil Srivastava, CEO at Leclanché, stated: "We are excited to partner with MPC Energy Solutions for this landmark project in the Caribbean. This solar PV and BESS project demonstrates the ability of renewable energies to provide baseload power and competitively replace greenhouse gas emitting diesel-fuel power. The project will create material savings for SKELEC with a strong positive impact on the environment, CO2 emissions, and the local communities.