Building a resilient energy future for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

By Matt Gorvin, CEO and President renu energy TCI & Eric F. Salamanca, Director of Planning and Regulatory Compliance renu energy TCI ~ Photos Courtesy renu energy TCI

The Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) are globally celebrated for their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Yet beneath this natural beauty lies a growing challenge shared by many island nations: rising energy costs, climate vulnerability, and heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels.

As a United Nations–designated Small Island Developing State, TCI is acutely exposed to climate impacts. Sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, prolonged droughts, coral bleaching, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater lenses are no longer distant threats—they are present-day realities. These pressures endanger not only fragile ecosystems, but also the tourism sector that generates over 90% of GDP and supports the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

Despite contributing only a negligible share of global carbon emissions, the Turks & Caicos Islands experience disproportionate climate impacts. Addressing this imbalance requires practical, locally driven solutions that strengthen energy security, lower costs, and improve resilience.

 Solar PV and battery storage:  A clear path forward

The clearest path forward lies in resilient, locally generated renewable energy—particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems paired with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). TCI currently relies almost entirely on imported diesel fuel for electricity generation, leaving consumers exposed to volatile global fuel prices and supply disruptions. Solar PV reduces this dependence by generating power at the point of use, while battery storage allows that energy to be stored and deployed when it is most valuable—at night, during outages, or during peak demand.

Together, solar PV and BESS:

• Cut electricity costs and emissions.

• Improve grid stability and reliability.

• Enable faster recovery from extreme weather events.

• Reduce exposure to fuel price volatility.

Climate risk and energy vulnerability

Climate change is reshaping the Turks & Caicos Islands in interconnected ways. Rising seas accelerate coastal erosion and threaten low-lying infrastructure. Higher temperatures increase cooling demand, placing additional strain on an already stressed grid.

Centralized, diesel-based energy systems are particularly vulnerable. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 caused prolonged power outages and fuel supply disruptions, leaving some communities without electricity for weeks. As storms grow stronger and more frequent, reliance on centralized generation and imported fuel represents an increasing economic and social risk.

Without intervention, these pressures could constrain economic growth, degrade ecosystems, and erode quality of life. Fortunately, proven solutions are already available.

 Solar + storage: Resilience by design

With more than 300 sunny days per year and average solar irradiance of approximately 5.7 kWh/m²/day, the Turks & Caicos Islands are ideally suited for solar power. Each megawatt of installed solar PV can offset roughly 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually on a diesel-based grid. Distributed rooftop and ground-mounted systems reduce reliance on single points of failure, while modern hurricane-rated designs can withstand Category 5 wind speeds.

Battery storage unlocks solar’s full potential. From residential systems to large commercial installations, batteries store excess solar energy for use during outages, cloudy periods, or peak demand—transforming intermittent generation into reliable, 24/7 power.

Key benefits include:

• Energy independence: Homes and businesses can supply up to 80% of their own electricity.

• Blackout resilience: Systems can “island” during outages, powering critical loads for hours or days.

• Grid support: Batteries provide peak shaving, frequency regulation, and voltage support.

• Hurricane readiness: Across the Caribbean, solar-plus-storage systems have kept hospitals, shelters, and emergency services operational through major storms.

Economic benefits and policy alignment

High electricity costs remain a barrier to economic growth, increasing operating expenses for businesses and discouraging investment. Solar PV paired with BESS offers a cost-effective alternative.

Residential systems can deliver electricity at roughly one-fifth of current utility rates, with typical payback periods of four to six years. Commercial systems—particularly for offices, supermarkets, laundries, and RO facilities—achieve even faster returns due to scale and high daytime energy use.

Government policy further strengthens the business case. Solar and BESS equipment currently carry 0% import duty, and the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill (2023) provides regulatory clarity. Under the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS), TCI aims to reach 33% renewable energy by 2040, with projected savings exceeding $115 million.

renu energy TCI: Powering the transition locally

Founded in 2015, renu energy TCI is a pioneer of solar PV and energy storage in the Turks & Caicos Islands and a leading private-sector contributor to the clean energy transition.

As a locally based engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) provider, renu energy delivers turnkey solar PV and BESS solutions across residential, commercial, hospitality, and island applications. Its systems are purpose-built for island conditions—hurricane-resistant, reliable, and seamlessly integrated.

Renu energy is a certified Tesla Energy storage installer and the exclusive Tesla EV distributor and service provider in TCI, offering integrated solutions that connect solar generation, battery storage, and electric mobility. Through partnerships with global technology leaders including Tesla, Enphase, and SolarEdge, the company remains at the forefront of resilient, low-carbon energy solutions.

Representative projects include:

• Integrated solar and BESS installations at The Strand (Cooper Jack), South Bank Resort (Long Bay), and Emerald Point (Leeward) demonstrate how sustainable energy and luxury can coexist.

• Pelican Energy TCI (formerly FortisTCI) Utility Owned Renewable Energy (UORE) installations at Salterra (South Caicos) and Graceway Sports Centre.

• Commercial installations at Ambergris Cay, Graceway Supermarkets, Amanyara, British Caribbean Bank, Pioneer Cleaners, and Hartling Group properties, reduce operating costs while maintaining service quality.

 Momentum across the Islands

TCI’s energy transition is underway. On the utility side, Pelican Energy TCI has completed a 1.2 MW solar and BESS microgrid in North and Middle Caicos, expected to supply approximately 30% of local electricity demand by early 2026. Additional projects, including Salterra on South Caicos, are improving energy security in remote communities.

Public-sector leadership is also advancing through the EU funded Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme, which has delivered solar PV systems to government healthcare facilities and solar streetlighting across Providenciales. TCI Government projects include solar installations in schools and solar street lights in Grand Turk. 

Looking ahead

Challenges remain, including upfront capital costs and stringent engineering requirements for hurricane resilience. These can be addressed through targeted incentives, financing mechanisms, public–private partnerships, and continued education.

Expanding solar PV with battery storage is not simply an environmental initiative—it is a practical investment in affordability, resilience, and long-term prosperity. Aligned with Vision 2040, R-NETS, and national climate goals, the Turks & Caicos Islands are well positioned to lead by example.

Across TCI, the sun shines each day. By capturing it through intelligent solar and storage systems and by working with experienced local partners like renu energy TCI, the Islands can transform vulnerability into strength and secure a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

For more information on solar and battery storage solutions, visit renutci.com or contact renu CEO/President Matt Gorvin at ma**@*****ci.com, +1 (649) 231-7365.