Pelican Energy TCI proudly marked a major renewable energy milestone with the official full commissioning of its first solar energy system in South Caicos and the largest rooftop solar installation under the Company's Utility-Owned Renewable Energy Program (UORE).
The project was recently celebrated during a commissioning ceremony held at Salterra Resort, bringing together government officials, community leaders, stakeholders, and renewable energy partners.
The grid-tied solar energy system, installed atop four buildings at Salterra Resort, has a capacity of 414 kW dc and is expected to generate approximately 665 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually for South Caicos' electricity grid. The system will also help avoid an estimated 492 metric tonnes of carbon emissions each year, supporting both national sustainability goals and Pelican Energy TCI's commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Government representatives participating in the ceremony included Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology, and Energy, and Hon. Tamell Seymour, Elected Member of Parliament for South Caicos, both of whom shared remarks on the importance of renewable energy development and sustainable growth within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Delano Arthur, was also present.
This landmark project is the first solar energy installation developed by Pelican Energy TCI in South Caicos and represents a significant expansion of the island's renewable energy infrastructure. Under the Company's Utility-Owned Renewable Energy Program, Pelican Energy TCI leases rooftop space from qualifying customers, purchases, installs, owns, and maintains the solar energy system connected to the grid.
Speaking during the ceremony, Devon Cox, President of Pelican Energy TCI, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and moving at pace to transition to renewable energy, as the country’s energy security, affordability, and economic growth depend on it. He stated: “Today, tensions in the Middle East have once again created uncertainty in global energy markets. Fuel costs increased dramatically, driving our fuel factor rate to over 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. For customers, those prices are unbearable. For businesses, they are unsustainable. And for our economy, it is another stark reminder that we are price takers in a global fuel market. We do not determine the price. Our dependence on imported fuel is not just a cost issue. It is a strategic vulnerability. Energy security cannot be achieved by the utility alone; it requires Government, the Regulator, developers, investors, landowners, customers, and communities moving together.”
The project also reflects the shared commitment to sustainability between Pelican Energy TCI and Salterra Resort. Sustainability and environmental stewardship have been central to the resort's development vision, making it an ideal partner for the Company's largest rooftop solar installation to date.
Commenting on the project, Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO at Salterra Resort, stated: “We are overjoyed to have the system fully commissioned and to be the largest [UORE] rooftop solar system in the Turks and Caicos Islands on South Caicos. We are proud to contribute to the entire community by helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in South Caicos and increase the use of renewable energy sources. This also aligns with our goals of sustainable development, which include reducing waste, using water responsibly, and replanting corals on the reef. It’s really been a joy to partner with the Pelican Energy TCI team that has driven this forward.”
During the ceremony, attendees were reminded that the solar installation stands as a symbol of innovation, partnership, and environmental responsibility, demonstrating what can be achieved when the utility sector, private enterprise, and government work together toward a common goal.
