PHILIPSBURG-NV GEBE Managing Director Ir. William Brooks displayed strategic foresight when he decided two years ago to steer the production plant away from the current seawater cooled generators, that had been the norm for GEBE, in favor of air cooled generators.
"The two new 11.3 megawatt units that are on order are radiator cooled. These units will be delivered at the end of 2009 and will be in full production by March 2010".
With the new radiator cooled units GEBE hopes to insulate the island from the effects of groundswells and hurricanes like the recent problems experienced in the aftermath of hurricane Omar.
"Once again the problems experienced with the power production over the last few days showed our over reliance on seawater and the adverse effects it can have on our community" Brooks was quoted as saying.
In addition to the two new 11.3 megawatt radiator cooled Wartsila units Brooks is also contemplating the conversion of four 8 megawatt units from seawater cooling to radiator cooling. "This would give us enough power to ride out a major hurricane and post storm period".
"I do not want a repeat of the crippling effects to the electricity supply as experienced during hurricane Omar where the power plant emerged unscathed but was powerless due to seaweed. The technology and efficiency of frequency controlled radiator cooled generators have improved significantly, and from a cost perspective there is no valid reason not to use them anymore."
GEBE aims to provide high quality and reliable electricity and the main goal is to make electricity production self supporting by minimizing the influence of outside elements on the supply of electricity. The groundwork was laid with the laying of the cables underground. The second phase is to reduce our dependence on seawater with newer radiator cooled generators.
With the major part of our high tension system underground and the ability to produce electricity independent of sea conditions GEBE would be able to meet the growing demand for electricity even after a major hurricane.