The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to purchase solar photovoltaic generation from independent power producers. The Authority is seeking a maximum of 10 megawatts (MW) of electrical capacity, allocating approximately 5 MW to each of its two generation facilities serving the districts of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix. Consideration will be given to a different allocation of the 10 MW capacity between the two districts. The selected respondents will be responsible for constructing, operating, and maintaining all facets of the project.
The utility will sign a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the procurement of solar energy from one or more selected respondents, with an option to renew for another 5 years. To assist interested bidders, the preferred model of the PPA with specific terms and general concepts important in developing responsive proposals is included in the RFP. The Authority seeks photovoltaic generation to assist in lowering the cost of power production in the territory, so more favorable consideration will be given to proposals that demonstrate a number of important characteristics, including cost effective product pricing, experience, strength of plans for development, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities utilizing commercially proven technology, and the financial strength of the respondent. Under the PPA, projects are required to be commercially operational 18 months after approval of the agreement by the Authority's Governing Board and the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission.
A pre-bid conference and informational webinar is scheduled for June 7 and site visits will take place on June 15 and 16 for all interested parties. Proposals are due on September 20. A guaranteed commercial operation date has been set for December 2013.
To review the full solar PV RFP, visit www.viwapa.vi. Questions about proposal requirements may be directed to Madeline Stevens Webster or Debarah Smith at pr-18-11@viwapa.vi .
I have a client who is a solar module manufacturer that is interested in selling into this project. Any developers bidding on this project that would like excellent module pricing please contact me....
ReplyDeleteOne of our senior execs traveled into USVI, BVI and St Maarten over the past few weeks, and it seems the government officials are not really interested in meeting with solar developers, including those coming to the table with financing.
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