By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Brechin Castle solar farm has produced its first electrons.

The Brechin Castle Solar Limited, a joint venture partnership between bp, Shell and National Gas Company, confirmed on Tuesday that it achieved first electrons from the nation’s first utility-scale solar farm.

These electrons have successfully been delivered to the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) sub-station at Brechin Castle – providing cleaner energy into the country’s electricity network, a release from bpTT stated.

Last Thursday, first electrons were transmitted from the southern segment of the Brechin Castle Solar farm, which will be gradually ramped up to deliver up to ~40 megawatts (ac) of power to T&TEC.

BpTT stated work will continue toward achieving mechanical completion on the northern segment before fully commissioning the site in the fourth quarter of  2025.

Once fully commissioned, the solar farm will have the capacity to deliver up to 92 megawatts (ac) of power into the national electricity grid.

This makes it the largest utility-scale solar farm in the Caribbean.

It will provide approximately eight per cent of Trinidad and Tobago’s power generation, allowing natural gas to be redirected to other downstream users.

“This achievement underscores the commitment of bp, Shell and NGC (National Gas Company) to diversifying Trinidad and Tobago’s energy mix, reducing carbon emissions while supporting the energy needs of the country,” bpTT stated.

The joint venture ownership structure of the Brechin Castle Solar Limited is as follows:

•        bp – 35%

•        Shell – 35%

•        NGC – 30%

On July 9, the site was visited by several government ministers including Minister of Energy Dr Roodal Moonilal.