Anegada is now poised to rebrand itself as a hub for renewable energy and eco-tourism, following the official commissioning of the island’s hybrid solar and battery energy storage facility — a shift Works Minister Kye Rymer says could redefine how the sister island is marketed to the world.
“There are economic and reputational benefits,” Rymer said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Anegada can now proudly market itself as producing the majority of its daytime energy from renewable sources. That is a powerful selling point for eco-conscious visitors who come to our pristine environment.”
The $6 million Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System combines a 1.3-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant with a four-megawatt battery system, allowing the island to run primarily on clean energy for up to 19 hours per day during peak conditions. Diesel generation is now largely reserved for limited night-time use, dramatically reducing fuel consumption, noise and emissions.
Rymer urged the BVI Tourist Board and local businesses to seize the moment. “Promote Anegada as the Virgin Islands’ renewable retreat,” he said. “Work with local businesses, adopt sustainability badges, tell the story and make the practices visible, so visitors know they are coming to a quiet, renewable-powered island.”
The project, years in the making, represents a major shift for Anegada, which has long depended on diesel generation and fuel shipments from Tortola. With battery storage now in place, the island can operate independently for extended periods — a critical advantage during storms or shipping disruptions.
Renewable energy down to a human level
BVIEC Chairman Sheldon Scatliff said the facility brings renewable energy “down to a human level.” He explained that it means families running air-conditioning on cleaner power, businesses benefiting from more stable electricity, and a community better able to withstand emergencies with backup energy when it matters most.
For the BVI as a whole, the Anegada project is a practical step toward the government’s target of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030. It also tackles a costly reality: the territory spends more than $50 million annually on fuel for electricity generation.
“This facility is not merely an expense,” Rymer stressed. “It is a strategic commitment that will pay dividends for our people and our economy. By reducing our heavy dependence on diesel, we lower exposure to global price shocks and free up public resources for other critical services.”
A turning point for the BVI
Health Minister and Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley described the commissioning as a “turning point” not just for Anegada, but for the Virgin Islands’ identity in the face of climate change. He said the project sends a message that small islands can lead by example.
Beyond resilience and cost savings, officials see long-term opportunity. With quieter days, cleaner air and a greener image, Anegada’s tourism product stands to gain, particularly among visitors seeking sustainable destinations.
As the ribbon was cut under the same sun now powering the island, leaders agreed the project marks more than the opening of a facility — it opens a new chapter, one where Anegada shines as a symbol of renewable hope, transformation and possibility for the entire BVI.
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