The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the launch of the much-anticipated feasibility study for clean, renewable offshore wind energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
A true pioneering initiative led by the TCI Government’s Energy and Utilities Department, the study will be conducted under the European Union-funded Green Overseas Programme, which is implemented by Expertise France, and in partnership with contractor RICARDO-AEA LIMITED, an ISO-certified global consultancy that delivers strategic, environmental and engineering solutions.
“This exciting project will assess the feasibility of fixed and floating offshore wind energy farms in the waters surrounding Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Mr. Delano Arthur, Commissioner of TCIG’s Energy and Utilities Department. “The vast and varied waters surrounding our Islands offer great potential for clean, reliable energy generation, boosting renewable energy production while enabling TCI’s limited land availability to be used for other development.”
The study will look at the feasibility of two options for offshore development: fixed offshore wind in the south and southwest of Providenciales Island in shallow waters of 2.5 to 4 metres in depth, and floating offshore wind located north of Providenciales Island in deeper waters of up to 1,000 metres.
This comprehensive evaluation aims to identify the most viable options to harness the vast wind resources of the region’s waters. Further, the study will recommend potential development timelines from 2025 to 2040.
A major component of this feasibility study is understanding the environmental aspect, which is crucial to assessing the potential impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and coastal environments. RICARDO-AEA LIMITED will conduct environmental feasibility to understand how offshore wind installations might affect local biodiversity.
“Among the challenges the feasibility study will examine are wind resilience to hurricanes and other storm activity,” added Commissioner Arthur. “This project not only represents a commitment to clean energy but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.”
The feasibility study is in alignment with and supports TCI Vision 2040 and the National Energy Policy. It also aligns with the Paris Agreement and UN SDG No. 7.
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