The U.S. Virgins Islands will be home to 49 MW of waste-to-energy capacity by the end of 2012, the first alternative-energy project for the tourist destination and a solution to its excess waste problems.
Alpine Energy Group just released its plans to develop two waste-to-energy plants on the islands for a cost of $440 million. A 33-MW plant will be built on St. Thomas, serving both that island and St. John. Another 16-MW plant will be built on St. Croix. The plants will dispose of 146,000 tons of solid waste a year, producing steam and electric power.
The plans come at the right time as the territory has faced fines from the EPA for excess solid waste in recent years and is running out of landfill space. Also, it has a five times greater energy consumption per capita than the U.S., and, until now, has depended almost solely on oil-fired generators for their electricity, which has become more expensive with rising fuel costs. It seems that waste-to-energy is the right solution to both of their problems.
Construction is set to begin next May.
via Cleantech
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written by Fred, August 13, 2009
That is a very surprising number - I'd be interested to know how that comes to be.
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written by nuvi, August 14, 2009
excess waste?
i thought all waste was excess.
better for the environment would be producing less waste
i thought all waste was excess.
better for the environment would be producing less waste
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written by Morgan, August 14, 2009
The Buccaneer St. Croix Treasures Inclusive Package
Valid until December 19, 2009
Round trip private airport transfers
Seven nights luxurious accommodations
Seven breakfast buffets, six a la carte lunches and dinners *
$200 per person beverage credit per week*
Welcome rum, fruit, cheese and chocolate basket
Hertz rental car for one day or guided St Croix Island Tour**
½ day sail and snorkeling trip to Buck Island National Monument
Sunset sail
One round-trip day-time shuttle pass to Christiansted per person
One round-trip evening taxi to Christiansted
Choice of one per person:
Spa treatment – manicure, pedicure, min-facial, 25- minute massage or reflexology
Round of golf with cart
Three hours of tennis court time
Complimentary wireless internet
Tuesday Managers Cocktail party
Snorkeling, kayaks, floating mats
Introduction to scuba lesson
Use of fitness center and jogging trail
Tax and energy surcharge
Rates per room, double occupancy, for seven nights/eight days
Great House Ocean View 3245
Deluxe Oceanfront4075
Luxury Beachside Doubloons5900
* Gratuities are not included for any food and beverage items. A 15% surcharge will be added to all food and beverage checks.
**Rental car driver must be at least 25 years old, provide a valid driver’s license and major credit card. Does not include gas, insurance or fees. Driving is on the left.
No substitutions for activities nor refunds for unused activities.
Visit www.thebuccaneer.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Valid until December 19, 2009
Round trip private airport transfers
Seven nights luxurious accommodations
Seven breakfast buffets, six a la carte lunches and dinners *
$200 per person beverage credit per week*
Welcome rum, fruit, cheese and chocolate basket
Hertz rental car for one day or guided St Croix Island Tour**
½ day sail and snorkeling trip to Buck Island National Monument
Sunset sail
One round-trip day-time shuttle pass to Christiansted per person
One round-trip evening taxi to Christiansted
Choice of one per person:
Spa treatment – manicure, pedicure, min-facial, 25- minute massage or reflexology
Round of golf with cart
Three hours of tennis court time
Complimentary wireless internet
Tuesday Managers Cocktail party
Snorkeling, kayaks, floating mats
Introduction to scuba lesson
Use of fitness center and jogging trail
Tax and energy surcharge
Rates per room, double occupancy, for seven nights/eight days
Great House Ocean View 3245
Deluxe Oceanfront4075
Luxury Beachside Doubloons5900
* Gratuities are not included for any food and beverage items. A 15% surcharge will be added to all food and beverage checks.
**Rental car driver must be at least 25 years old, provide a valid driver’s license and major credit card. Does not include gas, insurance or fees. Driving is on the left.
No substitutions for activities nor refunds for unused activities.
Visit www.thebuccaneer.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
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written by caravanbill, August 14, 2009
On a visit to the VI in 2008, I was appalled by the amount of trash everywhere, floating in canals, in streets. Much of it was #1 plastic bottles and paper products. The cab driver told me that they have no recycling on the island and landfilled everything. I was very surprised given that they have so little land to begin with and also because you would think they would want to keep the islands clean to promote tourism.
With the sunny, warm weather, you would think there would be a lot of passive solar water heaters, but there aren't.
They have a long way to go. Its really sad.
With the sunny, warm weather, you would think there would be a lot of passive solar water heaters, but there aren't.
They have a long way to go. Its really sad.
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written by garbage, August 15, 2009
"no recycling on the island and landfilled everything."
brilliant, that solves global warming and rising sea levels. just send more garbage, so they can live on top of it.
brilliant, that solves global warming and rising sea levels. just send more garbage, so they can live on top of it.
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written by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , August 15, 2009
Their best choice may be to buy electricity from geothermal plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
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written by Maurice, August 21, 2009
I am from St. Thomas, first, yes there is no recycling which is sad. I tried to set up a private based recycling company but I never got the information I needed from VI Waste Mgt Assoc. I think this is a bad step, the VI is oil based also but they incinerate and waste the energy produced. We should be a shining example for alternative energy, which I will Gods' willing implement with the help of science, health and knowledge not just solutions based on convenience. If anyone would like to contact me e-mail me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
'>
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 229-395-0670. Thanks to Hank Green and Megan Tracy for keeping up with it all.
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written by British Virgin Islands, May 04, 2010
The U.S. Virgin Islands government and Fortune Brands recognize the mutual benefits of collaborating to grow the Cruzan Rum brand, ensure environmental and production benefits and significantly increase local government revenue that can be reinvested in economic development. The long-term public-private partnership ensures Cruzan Rum will be made exclusively on St. Croix. US per capita energy usage is pretty much the highest in the world -- and it's five times higher than average in the US Virgin Islands. British Virgin Islands Not to mention that it all comes from oil-fired generators. But hopefully not for too much longer. Cleantech reports that two new waste-to-energy facilities have been been just announced for St Croix and St Thomas.
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written by Recycle Girl , October 14, 2011
This is fantastic news for the Virgin Islands! I am sure they are reaping huge benefits from implementing these plants.
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