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by Cyprian Yarde
September 8, 1997 -
Prospects seem great for an addition of 25 megawatts of electric power to the islands
electricity supply. This time it would not be through the conventional source of diesel
engines but though wind energy.
Tests have begun as part of a project to determine the possibility of generating electric
power from wind energy.
St. Lucia Windpower, a joint venture company between two Canadian firms, have installed
two 120 foot meteorological towers on the hills of Dennery to evaluate St. Lucia's wind
resource.
A partner in the joint venture company, Stephen Probyn said, should the test be
successful, the company does not intend to enter into competition with the lone
electricity supply company, Lucelec, as the project is designed to complement. The
intention is to distribute all power generated through Lucelec.
The initiative has been endorsed by the government of St. Lucia in July 1997, will not be
only be beneficial in terms of jobs but because of its potential for eco-tourism.
The establishment of the wind measurement facility has been considered a major step in the
islands environmental programme. Wind energy is one of the most environmentally benign
forms of energy development.
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