Encorp Wins Controls Contract for Large Microgrid Fleet in the Bahamas

Encorp, a veteran in the distributed energy resource (DER) controls space, has notched another major project win with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). Like its recent contract with Alameda County, California -- and a current contract being finalized with E.ON -- new fleet deployments of microgrids can capture economies of scale not previously possible with the microgrid industry's traditional one-off project approach. The development of microgrids in fleets reduces overall project costs and streamlines the development process.

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Encorp Wins Controls Contract for Large Microgrid Fleet in the Bahamas Fort Collins, Colorado – Encorp, a veteran in the distributed energy resource (DER) controls space, has notched another major project win with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). Like its recent contract with Alameda County, California -- and a current contract being finalized with E.ON -- new fleet deployments of microgrids can capture economies of scale not previously possible with the microgrid industry's traditional one-off project approach. The development of microgrids in fleets reduces overall project costs and streamlines the development process. Development of this fleet of microgrids for BPL will increase renewable energy across multiple islands currently dependent upon diesel generators. These microgrids will help BPL to meet the Paris Accord target of 30% clean energy generation by 2030. "Encorp has been a key player in orchestrating this complicated project. They not only provide the controls that will deliver the clean energy optimization we are seeking but have helped manage the business relationships required to make bring a large, decentralized fleet of new energy assets to fruition," said Verron Darville, a spokesman for the Bahamas Ministry of Energy and Transport. Added Michael Clark, CEO of Encorp: "This project reflects our microgrids for the masses approach to problem solving, offering curated solutions that maximize local partner participation. What I am particularly excited about is the touchscreen visual dashboards which will help inform BPL leadership and managers about the real-time operations of these microgrids. They can also help educate other stakeholders about where their power is coming from at any time during the day."

Project Details: Geography of the Bahamas

The Bahamas consists of a total of 271 islands, many of which are extremely small and unpopulated. BPL provides electricity and energy services to 17 islands with 29 power stations. The first phase of this microgrid and renewable energy integration project focuses on the following eight islands:

• Abaco
• Cat Island
• Eleuthera
• Harbour Island
• Inagua
• Long Island
• New Providence
• North Andros

All told, a mix of 52 megawatts (MW) of liquified natural gas (LNG) generators, 48 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV) and 35 MW of battery energy storage systems will replace aging diesel generators, some of which are more than 30 years old.

The Role of Encorp

Encorp is working with a variety of developers to integrate the above referenced (DER) capacity into microgrids. Microgrids are stand-alone power systems that integrate a variety of renewables, batteries and generators to create a flexible, resilient and efficient power system ideally suited to locations not connected to a traditional utility power grid. These microgrids are also designed to provide resiliency to respond to extreme weather conditions such as the recent Hurricane Oscar and other storms that hit the Caribbean Islands. Over 20 hurricanes have impacted the Bahamas to date, underscoring the need for resiliency and real-time data to optimize BPL's power supply portfolio. The full scope for the Encorp contract is as follows:

• Egility Microgrid Platform: An advanced energy management platform designed to optimize microgrid operation.
• Switchgear: New and retrofitting options for existing switchgear.
• Generator Control Modifications: Updates and modifications to existing generator sets for integration into the microgrid system.

Additionally, Encorp will provide support for the integration and control systems, ensuring seamless operation and management across all participating sites with a focus on enhancing energy independence, reliability, and sustainability. The plan will involve collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Energy and Transportation, and a long list of private developers and other critical local stakeholders.

Contacts:

Ryan Clark, Encorp: ryan.clark@encorp.com (970) 420-9065

Peter Asmus, Pathfinder Communications: peter.h.asmus@gmail.com (415) 250-8685

BPL: Verron Darville, Bahamas Ministry of Energy and Transport: verrondarville@bahamas.gov.bs (242) 801-1911

About Encorp:

Launched in 1992, privately held Encorp of Fort Collins, Colorado employs 50 people and has attracted $65 million in venture capital. A pioneer in the microgrid space, its Gold Box controller, funded by DOE and NREL, is also deployed for other DER configurations, including Combined Heat & Power (CHP) and demand response (DR) applications. At present, Encorp has over 1,000 MW under its control at over 400 sites for more than 300 customers in 10 countries, including India, Sweden and Scotland.

About BPL:

The mission of BPL is to provide reliable, cost-effective and safe electricity, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the Bahamas. The company's vision is to lead the Caribbean in energy innovation and sustainability, setting new standards in reliability and environmental stewardship. BPL owns approximately three-quarters of the 575 MW currently installed in the Bahamas. A law that went into effect in 2016 – the Electricity Act – is opening the door for independent power company projects such as the microgrids described in this press release.

Media Contact

Ryan Clark, Encorp, 1 9704209065, ryan.clark@encorp.com, www.encorp.com

SOURCE Encorp