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The U.S. Virgin Islands has worked with NREL to come up with a strategic plan to reduce fossil fuel use by 60 percent by 2025. The plan will include the deployment of five different renewable energy technologies and a huge roll-out of energy efficiency improvements.
The USVI, much like other islands, currently depends heavily on imported fuel for their energy needs, making electricity cost almost $0.50/kWh for residents -- about five times more than residents of the continental U.S. The need for switching to renewable sources of energy is just as much economical as it is environmental for the islanders.
NREL wanted to come up with a realistic plan for reducing the USVI's dependence on fossil fuels, so they worked with the government, utilities and public and private groups to map out the territory's potential for different renewable energy and efficiency solutions. The organization came up with the following mix of efforts to get the islands to a 60 percent reduction:
- 2 percent biomass
- 3 percent landfill gas
- 3 percent solar
- 6 percent wind
- 8 percent waste-to-energy
- 38 percent energy efficiency
The USVI burns 2.6 million barrels of oil every year for electricity and water desalination. By 2025, if this plan comes together, that number could drop that number to just over 1 million barrels, creating a cheaper, homegrown electricity portfolio for the islands and a major slash in emissions.
via NREL
Image via Don Buchanan, USVI Energy Office
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Comments (14)
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written by Ronald Brak, February 21, 2012
With electricity apparently costing 47 cents a kilowatt-hour on the US Virgin Islands, I would expect point of use solar to extremly cost effective, so I'm a little surprised that solar isn't a much larger part of their plan. But I guess the plan doesn't include privately owned point of use solar panel systems.
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written by Keith Woodhouse, February 22, 2012
With all of the talk about diminishing natural resources in the world you would think that other nations and states could have similar targets. It beggars belief that countries argue against cutting emissions.
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written by Noah, February 23, 2012
This is awesome. I love how this website, unlike a lot of other environmental blogs, reports good news and not just "We're killing the earth!" all the time.
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written by Jay Gee, February 28, 2012
I remember 25 years ago the Islands were offered a free powerproducer with desalination included to show the world what was available at the time. The local government turned it DOWN. SO SAD! Now they are being forced to do something. A gentleman wanted to sell electric cars in the Virgin Islands about 15 years ago. It took the local government over 5 years to approve electric cars legal for road use in the USVI.....So SAD. It is the most perfect place in the US of A to be completely off grid. There are people there that have been for many many years. It will be interesting to watch what happens now. Best is for each House or Apartment Complex to be set up as a self contained self sufficient Unit.Most already have water catchment for household.Solar water heaters are too efficient.Proper house design utilizes Tradewinds for ventilation.Low voltage 12 volt fans can move stale air.Simple and inexpensive.110 volt can get a little more pricey but can be done...all it takes is money. Lived there for over 20 years....Beautiful place with beautiful people!
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written by Meredith Heil, March 03, 2012
Just curious as to what government the islands were working with, a local government or the national government that says they will reduce the oil consumption of the continental US. The US Virgin islands could be the place to live when the oil prices sky rocket...
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written by flight training, March 05, 2012
see that's what some us cities should do to help the economie and their future, they should heavely invest in solar energy
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written by cutekitty, March 12, 2012
people need toquit killing the earth for true this website is soooo true and amazing i hope that people will listen to this some day
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written by camille, March 12, 2012
This is the most amazing thing that's happening to the Earth right now. 
this is just AMAZING 
this is just AMAZING
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written by Felicia Roberts, March 12, 2012
This is so amazing! If you could reduce the fossil fuel use by 60% by 2025 that would be good news. All that you hear about is global warming and tying to stop it. These people in the Virgin Islands are doing something about it. I live in The Bahamas and wish that The Bahamas would take a step to learn how to do this, too!
I live in The Bahamas and wish that The Bahamas would take a step to learn how to do this, too!
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written by cutekitty, March 12, 2012
people please help our environment we need some support and this website is awesome by the way again!!! 
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written by givannia mannig, March 12, 2012
awsome thats awsome thats awsome dude toally narely dude u guys rock dude
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written by Heat rock , March 12, 2012
This is a great plan why can't everyone be doing this, once again this is a great plan, if I am president one day I will try and accomplish this same thing too.
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written by erik, April 19, 2012
I was in the Maldives for 4 months and couldn't belive that they run all of the countries electricity on a oil burning generator. it is not only better for the environment but its also the smartest thing for the economy having green renewable energy's running the islands.
I still cannot believe that Hawaii isn't leading the way. soon it will hopefully very soon
I still cannot believe that Hawaii isn't leading the way. soon it will hopefully very soon
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Juan Miguel Ruiz
http://www.GreenJoyment.com