BPL gets new generation and LNG plant

BPL gets new generation and LNG plant

Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) Company has awarded Shell Energy, otherwise known as Shell NA, to build a new generation and liquified natural gas (LNG) plant at Clifton Pier by 2021.

The move is said to be in response to the increasing demand for better use of renewable energy, hence lowering hefty electricity bills and minimizing power outages across the country.

In a release issued by the company Wednesday, officials revealed that 19 companies passed the bidding process but – in the board’s opinion – Shell provided the best solution for the company’s new direction and its commitment to renewable energy.

Additionally, company officials pointed out that the direction is in full compliance with the government’s mandate to meet the 2030 National Energy Policy.

Shell proposes to establish a gas-to-power solution that would enable BPL to produce up to 270 megawatts (mw) of power generation.

Officials said it is believed that this strategy will have a positive impact on consumers and the environment.

“In the board’s opinion, Shell NA’s commitment to power generation with the inclusion of LNG in BPL’s fuel mix, will provide long-term energy security, new employment opportunities for Bahamians, stimulate economic growth and the stabilization of customer rates,” the statement read.

“Shell NA trades and markets natural gas, wholesale power, environmental and risk management products with counterparties and customers around the world.”

About Genea Noel

Genea Noel is the news director and weeknight TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. She began working at Eyewitness News in 2018 as the newsroom editor and was subsequently promoted during her tenure. As a household name who graces the screens of thousands of Bahamian homes each night, Genea has racked up an impressive five Bahamas Press Club awards, including “The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism” (2020), “Best Studio Live Producer” (2020) and “Best Newscast” (2018).