No oil for us: Bonaire looks toward sustainable energy

Image by Nick Atkins Photography via Flickr

Bonaire is making strides as it looks to be the first Caribbean island powered 100% by sustainable energy.

Back in 2007, the government began a project to reduce its reliance on foreign fossil fuels by developing a 11MW wind farm, 14MW biodiesel plant, and a 3MW backup battery, all spearheaded by Ecopower Bonaire BV. The first phase is due for completion at the end of this year.

A pilot 330KW wind turbine, whose current energy production exceeds any initial expectations, has already been installed, and 12 additional 990KW wind turbines are being installed on the north coast of the island, where wind and surf conditions are most ideal.

Developers are projecting that by the end of the year, these wind turbines should produce 44% of the island’s energy. The remaining 56% will be produced by the planned 14MW biodiesel generators, converting fuel derived from algae, which will enable the island to shift to 100% sustainable energy supply within five years. All electricity generated will be delivered to WEB (Water and Energy Bonaire). After completion of the entire project, Ecopower Bonaire BV will remain owner of the wind-biodiesel system.

All this takes shape before a backdrop of the island celebrating the 40th anniversary of the island's Washington-Slagbaai National Park and the 30th anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park, and the island's commitment to conservation.