The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a presentation from China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. (CAMCE), outlining a proposed major renewable energy development at Potworks aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity generation capacity and accelerating the national transition from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.
The proposed Potworks Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage Project involves the installation of a 30-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic facility, supported by a 15-megawatt (MW), 30-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system.
The presentation outlined a large-scale solar installation comprising approximately 48,384 solar panels, each with a capacity of 620 watts, together with 54 inverters rated at 460 kilowatts each.
According to the preliminary proposal, the solar facility could generate approximately 49.5 to 54 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, providing an important additional source of renewable energy for Antigua and Barbuda.
The battery storage component is designed to store electricity generated during daylight hours for use during periods of increased demand, particularly in the evening. The proposed system would have a nominal storage duration of two hours at its rated output, helping to improve electricity supply management and support greater integration of renewable energy into the national electricity grid.
Cabinet was informed that the proposed development could contribute to reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering exposure to fluctuations in international fuel prices and strengthening long-term energy security.
Following its review of the presentation, Cabinet advised the representatives of China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. to engage directly with the management of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to undertake further technical discussions and develop a comprehensive proposal for Cabinet’s consideration.
The comprehensive submission is expected to address the technical specifications, financial arrangements, project implementation schedule, grid integration requirements, operational considerations and anticipated economic benefits of the proposed investment.
Cabinet emphasized that the involvement of APUA is essential to ensuring that any proposed renewable energy development is compatible with the country’s existing electricity infrastructure and supports the Authority’s long-term electricity generation and distribution strategy.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to pursue opportunities to diversify the national energy mix through investments in solar power, battery storage and other renewable energy technologies.
The proposed Potworks development forms part of these wider efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation, strengthen energy resilience and support the country’s environmental and sustainable development objectives.
Cabinet noted that increasing renewable electricity generation, supported by modern energy storage technologies, could also contribute to greater stability in electricity production and help manage the long-term costs associated with power generation.
Cabinet has not granted final approval for the proposed project. Further consideration will follow the submission of a comprehensive technical and financial proposal developed in consultation with APUA.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet Reviews Proposal for Major Solar Energy and Battery Storage Project at Potworks.