Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 21, 2013 (SKNIS): The Republic of China (Taiwan) has pledged to continue supporting St. Kitts and Nevis’ pursuit of renewable energy options to power future economic development.
During a tour of the site for a one megawatt solar farm at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, Taiwanese President His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou noted the contributions that his country played in a number of solar energy projects on St. Kitts and Nevis which include lighting roadways and installing panels to power the National ICT Center as well as Government Headquarters.
He said the solar farm is a significant addition to the other projects.
“I’m delighted to see the solar farm is being constructed and the progress has been moving very smoothly,” stated President Ma through an interpreter. “Next month in September, the farm is expected to be completed and this important solar farm will be one of the first solar farms of the countries in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). … This is also a milestone between our two countries symbolizing greater visibility.”
His Excellency Ma credited the Federal government for its willingness to embrace renewable energy.
“I would like to express my sincere admiration to your government for your vision and insight to increase the percentage of the use of renewable energy …,” he stressed.
Three thousand solar modules will be installed at the farm. The solar panels are being produced by SpeedTech Energy Ltd, a Taiwan-based firm that established a branch in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for energy Honourable Dr. Earl Asim Martin said that government is grateful for the support and technical assistance provided by the Republic of China (Taiwan) over the years.
He added that a number of persons including 15 nationals are currently employed by SpeedTech Energy Ltd. to carry out the installation of the solar panels being produced at a factory at the C. A. Paul Industrial Site.