Renewable Energy in Saint Lucia

By: Margaret Burton, Tom Brayden, Sam Stevens, Kendall Tichner, Evan Welch

Problem:

• Saint Lucia’s electricity is completely dependant on diesel-powered generators.

• LUCELEC currently supplies 98% of the island’s electricity

• The price and demand for energy is increasing

• Green house gas emissions / Global warming Diesel Generator

St. Lucia’s Energy Potential

• Solar

• Wind

• Geo-thermal

• Hydro

• Solar Hot Water

• Bio-fuel

Sulfur Springs: Soufriere

Project Goals

• To provide a source of renewable energy to the Praslin fishing community

• To promote renewable energy through education

• To reduce Saint Lucia’s dependency on foreign oil

• To find new projects/project partners for next years trip

Praslin Wind Turbine Project Description

• Repaired existing wind turbine by lengthening support pole

• Installed new blades• Replaced old wiring for lighting• Installed new marine grade inverter• Cleaned and recharged existing batteries• Requested new wire• Cleaned beach

Beach Beautification

Millennium Development Goals

• Goal 7: Environmental sustainability achieved by integrating principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs

• Goal 8: Establishment of a global partnership for development by addressing the specific needs of small island states, in cooperation with the private sector making new technologies available

Obligations of group sponsor to achieve sustainability

• Educate the local community about how resource works and promote the benefits of renewable energy

• Provide local knowledge and expertise

• Help provide needed materials and labor

• Continuing maintenance of the energy system

Project Outputs

• Increased knowledge of renewable energy in Saint Lucia

• Energy to power 14 interior Energy Saver lights, 4 outdoor fluorescent lights and an outlet for use of power tools for the Praslin fishing community

• Reduce Greenhouse gases

Energy Audits

• Conducted load analysis: Choiseul: Sabre Wesha, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Ti Roche: Moreau Botanical Gardens

Future Recommendations

• Continue maintenance of existing systems

• Educate and promote renewable energy

• Make the most of the vast quantity of renewable resources on St. Lucia.

-Lindsley Philbert-Vitalis Francis-Edson Francis-Gretta Joseph

-Gary Flo-University of Vermont-CDAE

Special Thanks to: