Siemens to continue interconnection studies

The US Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) has authorized additional funds to allow Siemens Energy to further evaluate the integration of renewable energy onto WAPA's grid and how it would impact a proposed interconnection with Puerto Rico. "The study will allow WAPA to know the maximum amount of renewable energy that can be installed on each island, while maintaining adequate levels of reliability," the utility said in a statement. Siemens last week submitted its evaluation of the feasibility of the proposed interconnection to WAPA; information is due out soon. The authority's executive director Hugo Hodge has said the project could cost US$70mn-90mn. The company also approved a contract with Dashiell to build the Midland substation on St Croix. The US$9.92mn project aims to bolster T&D on St Croix that has only one substation.