Three Southern Villages Now Have Solar Power
Three rural communities in Toledo now have electricity supply through the installation of a solar panel project by the Ministry of Public Utilities. For the first time, on Thursday, the villages of Indian Creek, Medina Bank, and Golden Stream flipped on switches to electricity supply, through a loan of seventy-seven million dollars from the United Arab Emirates. This was to finance the construction of a 60-megawatt solar power plant, complete with the supply and equipment of solar panels. And while three villages are now enjoying electricity through the project, more will come on stream in the months ahead. This form of electricity aims to also reduce carbon emissions. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
The villages of Golden Stream, Medina Bank and Indian Creek now have electricity supply through the installation of a new solar panel project. On Thursday, these three communities were connected to a solar grid designed for those remote localities. Prime Minister John Briceno, the keynote speaker at the ceremony on Thursday, spoke of the need, in this day and age, for access to electricity.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“For far too long, these villages have been devoid of one of the most essential or basic necessities of modern life, which is electricity. The lack of access to reliable electricity has hindered growth, has limited economic opportunities, and has held back the potential for the people of these three communities. It has disadvantaged the people of these communities by denying them access of affordable reliable and modern energy services – something we as a nation committed to providing them when we signed on the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The Ministry of Public Utilities Energy Unit Director, Ryan Cobb explained that the solar system that has been installed will provide the three villages with energy even when it rains.
Ryan Cobb
Ryan Cobb, Director, Energy Unit, Ministry of Public Utilities
“You’ll see the solar installation, a solar installation that has a capacity of approximately four hundred and three kilowatt hours. So that’s the generating capacity. We also have now on your right hand side, which is basically the management compound where we have lithium ion batteries for storage. We have a total storage capacity of six hundred kilowatt hours, so that will ensure that residents have electricity throughout the night. In the days and weeks when we might have cloud coverage or heavy rains, when panels are not operating at their peak efficiency, the communities can rest assured that they will still have electricity as we also have backup generation as well in the form of two generators.”
Chairman of Indian Creek, Ernesto Choc acknowledged that while they now have power supply, it comes through an environmentally-friendly means that will not further harm the planet.
Ernesto Choc
Ernesto Choc, Chairman, Indian Creek
“This solar plant stands as a symbol of our commitment. The renewable energy, with its cutting edge technology and vast capacity will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions on providing clean and sustainable electricity to our community. This will not only reinforce our nation dedication to environmental preservation, but also solidifies our position on. As a leading advocate for green initiative, we are fortunate to have the support and presence of visionary leaders and individuals who have championed the cause of sustainability, your guidance and encouragement have paved the way for this incredible milestone.”
For Michel Chebat, the minister responsible for public utilities, they have done the ground work to ensure that hereafter; no community is left without electricity.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities
“The ministry has canvassed the entire country. The ministry has taken a number of steps to verify the villages that do not currently have access to electricity and has subsequently created a list to ensure that no one is left behind. As we speak, the ministry is seeking international, regional and local support for these villages. The work must and will continue in this national energy access program. Teamwork cannot be overstated. The response by stakeholders has been resounding and today. This solar plant is before you. It is a testament to the partnership we have fostered. And I thank the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their generous support for the project and for believing in Belize.”
Notably, the three villages and any other that will be connected to the solar project will continue to have electricity supply even when the rest of the country that is connected to the national grid does not have power. Marion Ali for News Five.
