MINISTER MAYNARD HAILS LAUNCH OF HISTORIC RENEWABLE ENERGY RFP FOR BASSETERRE VALLEY SOLAR AND BATTERY PROJECT
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 30, 2026 (SKNIS): Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, the Honourable Konris Maynard, has hailed the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Basseterre Valley 50MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and 30.5MW/30.5MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project as a defining moment in the Federation’s transition toward a sustainable energy future.
Describing the initiative as a major milestone for Saint Kitts and Nevis, Minister Maynard emphasised both its transformative impact and the transparent, methodical approach taken to bring the project to this stage following Cabinet approval and a comprehensive 12-month due diligence process.
“This is historic, it is transformative, and importantly, it is very transparent,” Minister Maynard said during the March 30, 2026, Prime Minister’s Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers. “This project will provide approximately 30 percent of our energy needs, and we have gone about it the right way. We have engaged professionals to do everything from grid impact analysis, techno-economic analysis, market sounding, talking with the market regionally and across the globe to get the best practice and to make the best design for this project.”
The project, led by the St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd (SKELEC), with support from international advisors including Castalia, ILF Consulting Engineers, GIDE, and Merchant Law, is expected to significantly strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and accelerate progress toward the country’s 2030 renewable energy targets under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Minister Maynard also outlined the procurement timeline, noting that the RFP process is now officially open, with a bidding period of approximately 90 days, followed by evaluation, contract finalisation, and the anticipated start of construction in the months ahead.
Underscoring the broader significance of the initiative, the minister noted that the project is poised to serve as a model for the region. He noted that, “This is going to be talked about across the region as a best practice approach to our energy transition.”
In addition to its national importance, Minister Maynard made a direct appeal to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and citizens to actively engage in the opportunities the project will create.
“I do not want this to be open to everyone, and then when it’s closed [people say] ‘well we do not know’,” Minister Maynard stressed. “Whether you provide food during construction, whether you have a contracting company, whether you can consult, whether you have solar capabilities, whatever your expertise, we have made sure that this project is open and available to the residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Interested individuals and entities are encouraged to register through the official bidder’s portal at portal to access the RFP documents and participate in the tender process. In addition, Local contractors and local investors, wishing to participate in this historic clean energy project, are invited to register their interests at the following links:
The Basseterre Valley Solar and Battery Project is expected to supply approximately 30 percent of the Federation’s energy needs, representing a critical step toward a cleaner, more resilient, and self-sufficient energy sector while ensuring broad-based economic participation for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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