WAPA Switches to Propane To Fuel Richmond Power Plant

News
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) project to convert to propane as a primary source of fuel to generate electricity has achieved another milestone on Saint Croix. WAPA April 5 introduced propane to one of its retrofitted generating units as the conversion from fueloil to propane continues to take shape. WAPA and Vitol oversaw the commissioning of Unit 20.

Commissioning of the generating unit follows work that began in 2013 with the signing of a contract between Vitol and WAPA. Since then, local and federal permits have been secured to fully develop LPG terminals at power plants and the conversion of units on Saint Croix and Saint Thomas to burn three fuels—fueoil, propane, and natural gas—for the generation of electricity. The Saint Croix terminal has been undergoing final preparations for the introduction of LPG.

Both the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and Virgin Islands Fire Services (VIFS) are among local government stakeholders that have worked collaboratively with WAPA during development. COO Gregory Rhymer, LPG project coordinator, notes that, “VITEMA and VIFS have been involved in the design and implementation phases of the terminal and have participated in training initiatives.” Firefighters have completed training focused on the Richmond plant and Vitol’s storage facility.

On Saint Thomas, marine work that includes installation of fenders and other dock improvements to accommodate propane delivery vessels continues. Work on the land side includes the installation of a marine loading arm. Also to be completed is a permanent mooring for delivery ships. It is anticipated that a similar commissioning of generating units on Saint Thomas will take place in August.

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