TCI government launches offshore wind feasibility study

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) announced the launch of a long-awaited feasibility study for offshore wind energy, marking a major step towards clean, renewable energy in the region.

This pioneering initiative, led by the Department of Energy and Public Services of the TCI Government, will be carried out under the Green Overseas Programme, funded by the European Union, implemented by Expertise France and in partnership with the global consulting firm RICARDO-AEA LIMITED. The study aims to assess the potential of fixed and floating offshore wind farms in the waters surrounding TCI.

Mr. Delano Arthur, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Public Utilities, stated: “The vast and diverse waters surrounding our islands offer enormous potential for clean and reliable energy production, increasing renewable energy production while also enabling the limited availability of TCI land for other development purposes.”

The feasibility study will examine two offshore development options: fixed offshore wind farms in shallow waters south and southwest of Providenciales Island and floating offshore wind farms in deeper waters north of Providenciales Island. The study will assess the most feasible options for utilizing the region’s wind resources and propose a development timeline from 2025 to 2040.

Environmental impact is a key concern and RICARDO-AEA LIMITED is conducting an environmental feasibility study to assess potential impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife and coastal environments. The study will also consider the resilience of the wind installations to hurricanes and other types of storm activity.

Commissioner Arthur added: “This project not only represents a commitment to clean energy, but also contributes to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.”

The feasibility study supports TCI’s Vision 2040, the National Energy Policy, the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goal 7.

For more information on offshore wind farm projects around the world, click here.