WAPA, Part 3: The USVI Shops for Alternative Energy Sources
WAPA, Part 3: The USVI Shops for Alternative Energy Sources St, Thomas Source
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WAPA Part 3: The USVI Shops for Alternative Energy Sources
Introduction
There is reason to feel optimistic after the V.I. Water and Power Authority signed five purchase agreements with St. Croix Wind and Bovoni Wind at the end of March. However, if history repeats itself, it will be months and maybe years before Virgin Islanders see any renewable energy and therefore will continue to pay exorbitant bills.
The Need for Renewable Energy
Over the last two decades, governors, the V.I. Legislature, WAPA and others have attempted to diversify the territory with renewable energy to increase efficiency and reduce costs for customers. After all was said and done, most projects ultimately failed.
Challenges and Failures
- Political reasons and lack of knowledge hindered decision-making on renewable energy projects.
- Consultants could have provided valuable expertise to save time and money.
Southern Energy
In 1998, Southern Energy Inc. offered to buy 80 percent of the utility for almost $77 million. The deal was turned down by the Legislature.
Waste Technologies
In 1999, Caribe Waste Technologies was selected to build and operate a $180 million system to process solid waste. However, the project was voted against by the WAPA board.
Innoventor Technologies
In 2006, Innoventor Technologies was chosen to build wind turbines, but negotiations fell through due to organizational issues.
Alpine Waste-to-Energy
In 2008, WAPA signed a power purchase agreement with Alpine Energy Group, but the project was killed by the Legislature in 2012.
Vitol
In 2013, WAPA signed a seven-year deal with Vitol Group to convert generators to propane. However, the project faced cost overruns and fuel supply issues.
Conclusion
WAPA’s attempts to use renewable energy have been plagued by mismanagement and a lack of accountability. The territory must gather and absorb more scientific and technical knowledge before making decisions, and politics should not play a significant role in awarding contracts.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the V.I. Water and Power Authority’s efforts to diversify the territory’s energy sources and increase efficiency. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also mentions the challenges faced in implementing renewable energy projects, which relates to SDG 9 on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the impact of these energy projects on cities and communities (SDG 11) and the need for climate action (SDG 13) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified include increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (SDG 7.2), upgrading infrastructure and industries to make them sustainable (SDG 9.4), reducing the environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6), and integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix
- Investment in renewable energy projects
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Number of sustainable infrastructure projects implemented
- Energy cost savings for consumers
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets: the percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix, investment in renewable energy projects, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, number of sustainable infrastructure projects implemented, and energy cost savings for consumers.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2 Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix – Investment in renewable energy projects – Energy cost savings for consumers |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4 Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Number of sustainable infrastructure projects implemented |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 Reduce the environmental impact of cities | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – Investment in renewable energy projects |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: stthomassource.com
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