The first week of January 2009 the Virgin Island Water & Power Authority  made a commitment to begin moving away from the use of fossil fuel as it’s only means of energy. The long awaited agreement was signed this week with Denver-based Alpine Energy Group to build waste-to-energy facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

This project has been a long awaited event that will now use USVI waste and convert it into energy for the islands.  Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority  has also contracted Alpine Energy Group to reduce the Territory’s two landfills that are bursting at the seams. Both of these critical contracts are for 20 years.

“The project clearly demonstrates that two government agencies can really work together and reach a turning point from which they can both move into the future as they responsibly are guardians of our natural resources.”  Gov. John deJongh Jr.  said during the press conference.

Alpine will invest $440 million to build both of the refuse-derived fuel-and-power-generation facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix. It is projected that over 146,000 tons of solid waste will be used to for the conversion of fuel, producing about 33% of V.I. Water & Power Authority’s current peak generation load. This is a BIG step by the Territory to move away from a 100% dependence on fossil fuels.

Alpine President James Beach  said at the signing’s press conference, “It’s called a take-or-pay contract. WAPA is obligated to buy 75 percent of our output when the facility is up and running.”  If WAPA needs to purchase more power, they can do so at a discounted rate as part of this important agreement.

Governor John deJongh Jr. also said, “These plants will begin moving WAPA away from complete dependency on fossil fuel for electric-power generation and water production, and it will be the first time in the Virgin Islands history that fossil fuel has not been used to generate electricity and potable water. It is also the first time that the government has developed a viable solution to the landfill and solid-waste issues in the territory.”

As a further demonstration of the USVI’s commitment to becoming a model “Green” Caribbean Territory, V.I. Waste Management also has implemented “The Preserving Paradise Campaign”. It is a three-part program designed to introduce the Authority’s concepts of environmental education and community pride to three different facets of the community – Preserving Paradise Kids, the Business Partnership, and the Community part of this program. The three-pronged program has been embraced by all aspects of the USVI.

Jim Walberg’s Editorial Comment: These environmental projects are examples of a community/nation that has no choice but to find solutions to their dependence on fossil fuels and their waste disposal issues that any island country faces. Wherever we are in the world, these same issues will need to be fully addressed. The fact is, they need to be addressed immediately by EVERYONE in our world. It will only happen when there is no choice but to do so because of the mess being left behind.  Click here for more information. Until next time…your Caribbean islands lifestyle detective remains on duty.