U.S. Virgin Islands - Renewables Portfolio Targets

Eligible Technologies

Photovoltaic Energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, landfill gas, biomass, ocean and microturbine systems.

Requirements

In July 2009, the Virgin Islands (USVI) passed Act 7075. Among other provisions, the legislation establishes that the "peak demanded generating capacity" of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority* must be from renewables according to the following schedule:

• 20% by January 1, 2015
• 25% by January 1, 2020
• 30% by January 1, 2025

It further establishes that a "majority" of this generating capacity must come from renewables or alternative technologies beyond 2025. Joint rulemaking is to be undertaken by the Virgin Islands Energy Office and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. All of the implementation details of the standard will be developed as a result of the rulemaking.

It should be noted that in early 2010, the US Virgin Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Energy (Office of Minority Economic Impact) and the US Department of Interior (Insular Affairs) to further develop the US Virgin Islands clean energy strategies. The goal set within that Memorandum of Understanding was 60% of the USVI's energy needs would be met by renewables by the year 2025. The USVI is also part of the Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) international partnership.


*The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is an autonomous entity within the Government of U.S. Virgin Islands. This public utility provides electricity to St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Water Island, and Hassel Island.