Sustainable Business Magazine 04/17

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new solar project, designed to complement the island’s geothermal plant. Customer usage profiles and solar generation profiles correlate almost perfectly, so while geothermal will meet the baseload energy requirements, solar arrays will be used to provide additional electricity during peak times. WORKING TOGETHER Partnerships are key to Emera Caribbean’s success. “That’s not only our international sister companies,” explains Mr. Williams. “We’ve had great success working closely with smaller local businesses, like Megapower Barbados. We also know that we can bring the technical and financial resources that sometimes would be difficult for small utilities to put together in

the Caribbean, because some of them are just 15MW to 30MW utilities, and it can be very difficult to do everything they want as standalone entities. But if we help them, we are also helping ourselves and our community. That’s where we will continue with our pursuit, to look for those areas where we can add value to investors, to customers, and to the country.” Another indispensable factor in Emera Caribbean’s success is their staff. “Being able to work together, building knowledge and connections, and our corporate culture of safety and efficiency, means the whole company can flourish, which is good for everybody,” says Mr. Williams. “Another particular quality our staff have which is a great asset is adaptability. Today, tech-

nological advances come at a very rapid rate, which means being able to adapt to the challenges and advantages of new products is essential.” Emera Caribbean believe this approach can be an important part in bringing Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent, Grand Bahama, and St Lucia over to 100% renewable energy. “We know that we can move the countries where we have interests over to 100% electrification,” says Mr. Williams. “That means, whether it is transport or the energy grid, we can help that country to become a very modern, stable society. Emera Caribbean wants to make sure our communities have all the amenities they need and to do so on the back of a renewables-sourced electrical network.” c

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