A wind power company has built a test facility in Eleuthera to show its financiers that technology will pay dividends in the Family Islands.
Eleuthera Wind Power Ltd., a joint venture between WINSO Company Limited and Schneider Power Caribbean, has just completed the first phase of a project that will ultimately provide energy for the Tarpum Bay Desalination Plant.
The Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) signed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with the wind farm that is expected to reduce its energy bill by 25 percent.
While the firms "meteorological tower" will measure wind energy over the next 12 months, the CEO of WINSO Company expects they'll have everything they need to know within six.
"None of the financiers will give you money unless you do your own independent study," Vincent Macdonald told Guardian Business.
"Right now the wind is very strong. What we are looking for is consistency to give us the return we're looking for. It'll tell us exactly how much power we'll have month to month."
The Eleuthera wind farm, expected to cost $2 million upon completion, is just one of six other sister facilities being planned on other Family Islands, including Inagua, Bimini and Abaco.
Eleuthera Wind Power Ltd. has signed preliminary agreements with WSC to supply a similar amount of power to other desalination plants.
The total build out and investment will be up to $15 million.
Macdonald said all of the data currently being assembled will be shared with the Bahamas Meteorology Department.
"It is a very important step. It will show the seriousness of our group and our commitment to the government and the country to reduce energy costs to desalination plants," he explained.
WINSO Company has already cleared the eventual site for the full facility. The first tower will measure wind speed, direction, air pressure and temperature.
Thomas Schneider, the president of Scheider Power, said his discussions with the Bahamian government have given him the confidence to invest in renewable energy in the country.
The residents of Eleuthera and other Family Islands will gain more knowledge and intellectual property in the emerging sector.
In New Providence, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation has signed an understanding with Ocean Thermal Engineering Corporation to build two plants on the island and buy power for use among the general public.
Schneider said the wind farms will further "showcase" the country's potential for renewable energy and create jobs, tax revenue, lower electricity costs and energy security in the process.

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