Solar panels to provide electricity to Government Headquarters soon

Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency Miguel Tsao (right) presents cheque to St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas. (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 6TH 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says a project to install solar panels to provide electricity to Government Headquarters is another step in the future development of the twin-island Federation.

Accepting a cheque from Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to finance the project, Dr. Douglas reiterated his administration’s clear commitment to an energy policy that would see a significant amount of its electricity obtained from renewable energy.

“The government had stated its goal and objective and wants to achieve at least 60 percent of its energy generation from the use of renewable energy and we would want to achieve this by the year 2015,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He noted that although the project with regard to the installation of solar panels will take place within the next few weeks, it is a very tangible demonstration in the form of a pilot project that will allow residents “to begin to see firsthand and experience how we can benefit from clean energy and renewable energy through the solar energy experiment that we are pursuing here.”

“Of course all this is linked with government’s programme for introducing in a broader and more developmental way renewable energy,” said Dr. Douglas.

He said government will continue to build on what is been already pursued by the Nevis Island Administration in the use of geothermal energy and wind energy.

“We here on the island of St. Kitts in particular have been pursuing our wind energy project to be situated in the area of Belle Vue. This therefore is a clear demonstration of the government commitment, not just to speak of an energy policy, but to demonstrate that the policy is been implemented as we move forward in the development of our country,” said Dr. Douglas.

He thanked Ambassador Tsao for demonstrating in a very tangible way the partnership that has been developed between St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan over the years.

In presenting the cheque, Ambassador Tsao said the contribution of Taiwan symbolizes a commitment of the ROC to work with the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to do its part in protecting the environment and leaving a better world for generations to come.

“We all know that the Honorable Prime Minister’s Energy Policy to achieve 60 percent energy generation from green energy sources by 2015 and this project at Government Headquarters is consistent with this objective.

“It will engender interest by persons island-wide to have solar panels installed on their roofs. The project is part of a beginning to tap into this unlimited green energy source for future generations,” said Ambassador Tsao, who disclosed that solar panels will also be mounted at the Newtown Ground Demonstration Farm Project.

He applauded Prime Minister Douglas for his government’s vision and passion to putting the interest of his people first.

The Taiwan diplomat expressed thanks to Prime Minister Douglas for his government’s support internationally and recommitted the Republic of China to the continued development of St. Kitts and Nevis.