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Off-grid power in Montserrat

The volcanic island of Montserrat is located in the Lesser Antilles just 43 kms SW of Antigua. The area is 103 km², and population has now risen to 5,000 with a new capital located at Brades in the north of the island.

Montserrat has been subject to a series of volcanic eruptions which started in 1995 and destroyed the capital of Plymouth with much of the population being forced into exile. Its peak population prior to the eruption was in excess of 14,000 and this reduced to just 1,200 – all in the north of the island.

The island has 6.22 mW of installed electrical capacity  all provided by diesel generators with a peak demand of 2 mW. Total generation is 10.89 gWHrs.  A rising population, the building of a new capital and tourism along the coast will certainly lead to increased electrical demand.

All generation was courtesy of imported fossil fuels until 2019, when  a 250kW solar farm was built near the new capital. A further 750 kW of  solar and 250kW of batteries is scheduled.

The project was funded by the European Development Fund with help from GIZ and Caricom.

In the 2008-2027 Sustainable Development Plan a 100% move to renewables is planned so plenty of room for private initiatives.There is enormous potential for private solar to satisfy the demands of new buildings in the capital and resort hotels on the coast. Off grid installation or a mix of on grid and storage can be supplied and installed by Off grid installer Ltd.

Solar with storage is ideal for the Caribbean environment and ensures power is available even during a hurricane.

One of the most prominent buildings on the island is a large music centre founded by George Martin and supported by Paul Macartney and Mick Jagger. This building would certainly benefit from an offfgrid installation.

Further development and recovery of the island will require a move towards private renewable energy and this can be expected in the coming years.

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