Dominica: The UAE-Caribbean Fund for Renewable Energy (UAE-CREF), the most significant renewable energy investment of its kind, fully funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract (EPC) contract to build a $50 million hurricane-proof clean energy project in Dominica.
Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies globally, is leading the design and implementation of the project to build a 5/2.5 megawatt-hour battery-energy storage system, which will meet the island’s clean energy objectives. The system will stabilize the electricity network, provide reserve power and frequency control, and provide an additional level of climate resistance, which will reduce the impact of extreme weather conditions.
The battery storage system will be connected to the national grid and can penetrate increased renewable energy through existing hydropower and future geothermal sources. The only battery project, partly funded by the Government of Dominica, is the first of its kind under the CREF program and complements existing and ongoing energy generation projects in Dominica, enabling a more significant share of renewable energy deployment without the network is adversely affected. The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skeritt, thanked the UAE government for this vital contribution to the development of his country.
“The 5MW battery storage system will enable us to move faster to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in the electricity sector,” he said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the UAE in the field of sustainable development and other areas of mutual interest, both bilateral and multilateral.”
The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund was launched at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 as a partnership between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), Masdar and ADFD, the UAE’s leading financial institution heads national and global development projects.
Sultan Al Shamsi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development at MoFAIC, remarked: ‘Since its inception as a nation, the UAE has been committed to promoting global peace and prosperity and developing other countries. support. This latest initiative under the UAE-Caribbean Fund for Renewable Energy enables us to continue the mission. By giving Dominica residents safe access to clean, renewable energy, we are also paving the way for a more sustainable future for the world. Such projects will enable us to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals and ensure that no one is left behind. ”
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said: “Renewable projects remain high on our agenda, as their impact is felt at various levels, from trade to the environment. As far as this project is concerned, it will change the lives of the people of Dominica, where it will create jobs, reduce energy costs and strengthen gender equality and capacity building. By giving the country energy security and significantly reducing its dependence on expensive diesel fuel, it will enable Dominica to achieve its national priorities and sustainable development goals.”
“The project therefore embodies the core mission of ADFD to drive sustainable economic development in partner countries by investing in renewable energy projects and promoting resource efficiency. Despite the uncertainty facing the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE remains committed to leveraging its resources and expertise to build a more sustainable future for all. UAE-CREF has given us the opportunity to advance our sustainable development agenda around the developing world and reduce its carbon footprint,” Al Suwaidi continued.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: “This project will support the stabilization of the electricity network in Dominica and enable it to achieve its climate resistance goals. The people of Dominica are committed to using the gifts the earth has given them – geothermal energy and hydropower – and moving away from fossil fuels. Masdar is committed to enabling them to achieve their clean energy goals and leverage our expertise to demonstrate the critical role that renewable energy plays in accelerating economic growth for communities.”
