BEC and government officials and representatives from Hitachi America Limited, commissioned GT7R, a new $12 million, 23-mega watt engine at the Blue Hills Power Plant on Thursday.
This new generator is expected to increase the amount of power supply to meet the growing demand in portions of New Providence and Paradise Island, while improving supply efficiency and reliability.
BEC General Manager Kevin Basden said that the new engine is much more efficient and technologically advanced than older engines, and makes the Blue Hills Power Plant one of the most efficient power plants owned by the corporation.
“In terms of fuel saving there will be a tremendous savings on fuel cost because we now have a more efficient unit that is also much more reliable than the older unit that we replaced,” he said.
Mr. Basden pointed out that this is just a part of a strategic plan to improve the delivery of service to BEC customers. He indicated that the commissioning of the new engine marks yet another significant milestone in the ongoing modernization programme at BEC in general and at the Blue Hills Plant in particular.
“In addition to this new plant, BEC’s modernization programme also included the recent upgrade of the Transmission and Distribution System and the installation of a combined cycle generator which is in its final stages of construction and testing,” Mr. Basden said.
“We know that the impact of the improvements and the increased fuel efficiencies from these modernizations and upgrades will be beneficial to all customers.”
Prime Minister Perry Christie said it is obvious that BEC is moving with the times.
“The Government of the Bahamas expects that BEC would be called upon to take into consideration now further [expansion] of this economy in New Providence and in the Family Islands,” Mr. Christie said.
“It is important therefore for the corporation and government to recognize that in creating the new Ministry of Energy and Environment, I was asking or inviting the country to give focus to the fact the energy has become one of the most significant subject matter as we move into the future in our country.”
He said that it is important because the cost now being imposed upon the population seems to have no limits.
Mr. Christie then challenged BEC to be proactive as major investment developments take root in the country.
He told BEC officials that they must be ready and able to meet the ever-increasing demand for power in on the way.
Mr. Basden added, “We are continuing to strengthen our planning unit and from our perspective we don’t want to be there behind the investor. We need to in fact be there ahead of the development and to date we have been able to meet that in each and every instance.”
Minister of Energy and the Environment Dr. Marcus Bethel noted that important upgrades are taking place in Family Island communities, particularly those undergoing rapid social and economic transformation.
“Low cost reliable efficient power supply is vital to our nation’s economic survival and competitiveness as businesses require 24/7 un-interrupted power to remain globally competitive in our core industries and emerging markets.”
By: Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
