Virgin seeks proposals for renewable energy project on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island

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  The company is seeking bids for a 750kW PV system, an 8kW PV system and solar carports on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island. Image: Circumerro Stock.

The Carbon War Room (CWR), Homer Energy and Reznick Think Energy have launched a request for proposals (RFP) on behalf of Virgin Limited Edition to provide renewable energy and energy services on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

Through the RFP, Virgin is aiming to reduce and/or eliminate the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation on Necker Island — home to entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson — and install renewable energy systems that help to reduce costs on the island.

The RFP will entail two bidding rounds. As part of the first round, the companies will receive bids to provide engineering and design services for a 750kW PV system in an open field, an 8kW PV system on the island’s Great House as well as solar carports.

As part of the second round, the companies will receive indicative bids to provide a wind turbine, significant load controls and batteries, and an overall energy supply and management contract.

“I am excited about the prospect of ensuring that Necker becomes a greener, more sustainable island. We are working with The Carbon War Room to ensure that the lessons we learn can be used by other islands in their transformation to a sustainable and prosperous future,” said Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Carbon War Room.

Virgin Limited Edition will purchase all services and products from one party or multiple products and services from a variety of parties, and the selected bidders will have the ability to take advantage of significant marketing opportunities throughout the project’s lifecycle and beyond. All respondents will be able to access the entire RFP or sections of the RFP after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and paying an administration fee.

The successful implementation of renewable energy systems on the island will represent the “centrepiece” of the 10 Island Challenge programme launched by Sir Richard Branson and the CWR at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012. The programme seeks to assist 10 island nations around the world to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels by 2020.