Inauguration STUCO Solar Park Phase 3
This marks the third time that I am witnessing the inauguration of a phase of St. Eustatius Utilities Company STUCO Solar Park:
Phase 1 was commissioned in 2016, when I served as the MC.
• Phase 2 was commissioned in 2017.
• And today January 29th, 2025, I am honored to address you as the shareholder representative for this historic Phase 3 opening ceremony.
This inauguration ceremony marks another milestone in the history of (STUCO) and St. Eustatius on a whole. STUCO is a company still in its infancy and is yet able to roll out important achievements. Today the focus is on the Solar Park. However, should any speaker venture to highlight the overall achievements of STUCO, one would have no choice but to conclude that what has resulted here within the past 9 years is rather impressive, especially on such a small island.
Three phases of STUCO’s Solar Park are no small achievement.
- After 3 phases of renewable energy, it means.
Collectively these phases have more than 18.000 panels. You will learn all about the technical details from CEO Mr. Fred Cuvalay, who together with the Supervisory Board leads this company with a clear mission and vision.
What does having three phases of a solar park on St. Eustatius mean in practice?
It means:
- The state-of-the-art facility supplies 55% of St. Eustatius’ electricity demand, which is still leading in the Caribbean.
- On normal sunny days, the engines are turned off for at least 12 hours per day.
- St. Eustatius’s dependence on fossil fuel has been reduced.
- Diesel generators are switched off completely during the day. While this may go unnoticed for electricity consumers it has huge benefits for the electricity company and the region. STUCO is a pioneer for more diesel free zones worldwide.
- Although, we as shareholder and consumers, would like to see lower energy prices, it is important to mention St. Eustatius records the lowest energy prices in the BES.
The next step is to attain 85-90% by early 2027, which is in two and a half years’ time.
(Energy Subsidy in place for almost 2 years)
Today as STUCO celebrates yet another milestone it is important to acknowledge that the success of any company relies on having a clear mission and vision, professional management structure, reliable partners and a dedicated team of employees.
A firm partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs is the reason we can celebrate today. This ministry has funded all three phases of the STUCO Solar Park. It would be a remiss of me if I did not thank the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations for funding the cliff stabilization project recently completed behind STUCO’s fuel depot and the main power and water plants in Lower Town Oranjestad. This too was an especially important investment.
On behalf of the Shareholder, Statia Government, I extend thanks and appreciation to STUCO’s dynamic CEO, Mr. Fred Cuvalay, the Supervisory Board with Migdala Clarinda as chairlady, the consultants and contractors who have worked on the solar park and the entire staff. Yours are big shoes to fit.
Congratulations STUCO! Congratulations St. Eustatius