PHILIPSBURG:--- As NV GEBE marked its 66th anniversary on September 16, 2026, the company is also taking steps toward the future of energy on St. Maarten with site inspections for its planned solar energy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects.
The initiative forms part of NV GEBE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience of the electricity grid, expand the use of alternative energy, and ultimately help reduce the island’s dependence on fuel for electricity generation.
NV GEBE is advancing plans for a 6-megawatt solar energy project, proposed in two phases: an initial 2-megawatt phase followed by an additional 4-megawatt phase. The company is also advancing plans for 28 megawatts of battery energy storage, with support from the Netherlands, to enhance grid resiliency.
During the site inspection, the project team and the potential vendors visited several proposed locations, including the Mullet Bay, Zagersgut, and Pond Island substations, where battery storage systems are planned. The team identified the locations based on electricity demand and each substation's role in supplying electricity to surrounding communities. The team then continued site inspections at the solar plant locations at Hope Estate and the parking areas along Walter J. Nisbeth Rd.
The battery systems are expected to support a process known as peak shaving, allowing stored energy to supplement electricity generation during periods of high demand. By reducing the additional generation required during these peak periods, the system could reduce fuel consumption, maintenance, and other associated costs while supporting a more resilient electricity network, which will ultimately reduce the fuel clause charge to consumers.
Plans for the alternative energy program also include exploring electric vehicle charging infrastructure as the number of electric vehicles on St. Maarten continues to grow.
The site inspections are an important step in moving the projects forward, including determining appropriate technical solutions, selecting qualified vendors for implementation, and installing a resilient network, all focused on Restoring Utility Affordability (RUA) for NV GEBE consumers.
As NV GEBE celebrated 66 years of serving St. Maarten, the company remains focused not only on its history, but also on building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the community.
