October 10th, 2002

The Barbados Light & Power Co. Ltd.  has signed an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries Company limited of Korea to supply two 30,000 kW low speed diesel generating units.  This is part of our $300 million expansion programme planned over the next five (5) years and is being financed with the assistance of a loan from the European investment Bank. 

In describing the project, Managing Director Andrew Gittens said that this plant would provide the capacity to meet growing electricity demand and replace 32,000 kW of old and less fuel efficient generating sets that have been in service for over 30 years and are schedule to be retired. 

The contract was awarded to Hyundai after a competitive tendering process.  Hyundai is a supplier of high quality generating and electrical equipment and has similar generating units operating in other countries throughout the world.  The low speed diesel engines being purchased are of MAN B&W design and manufactured under license from MAN

B&W, a similar design to the four existing low speed diesel generators presently in operation at our Spring Garden Generating Station that were supplied by Sweden and Japanese suppliers. 

Our Company is looking forward to a successful association with Hyundai who will be supplying these generators as part of a turnkey contract that is schedule to take two years to be completed.  Hyundai will also be responsible for providing maintenance advice and assistance to BL&P staff under a two-year warranty to ensure that the generators operate at maximum efficiency and reliability. 

Mr. Gittens explained that these low speed diesel generators operate efficiently on the cheapest low-grade residual fuel oil and are the most economical choice for Barbados at this time.  In the event of oil prices increasing in the future, this plant will certainly help to cushion some of the cost impact that would result.

The Managing Director also emphasized that the new low speed diesels will be fitted with modern emission controls to ensure that the installation complies with international guidelines for ambient air quality.

In its missions to satisfy customer requirements while being environmentally friendly, the Barbados Light & Power Company continues to investigate alternative energy sources, such as wind power, as a possible source of electricity generation for the future.

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