Senator Bolques Commends WAPA's Milestone in Solar Energy with the opening of Petronella Solar Farm

U.S. Virgin Islands – Senator At-Large Angel Bolques Jr. celebrates the commissioning of the Petronella Solar Farm on St. Croix, applauding the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for taking a significant step toward clean, sustainable, and reliable energy for the territory. The 10-megawatt solar farm on the east end of St. Croix represents a shift in energy production, reducing reliance on traditional generators and expensive fossil fuels while delivering quantifiable fuel savings. Senator Bolques expressed his optimism, calling the project "progress for the Virgin Islands" and reaffirming his advocacy for renewable energy. 

"WAPA's success with the Petronella Solar Farm demonstrates innovation and perseverance," said Senator Bolques. "We have seen firsthand the challenges of outdated infrastructure and inconsistent service. Today, we celebrate a future-focused solution that ensures cleaner energy production, reducing environmental harm, and promoting energy independence for our residents." 

This achievement aligns with Senator Bolques' longstanding calls for green energy investments to enhance grid reliability and affordability. Earlier this year, Senator Bolques visited the Eaton Arecibo Microgrid in Puerto Rico, where he underscored the importance of adopting sustainable technologies to combat climate change and modernize energy infrastructure. 

"This project embodies the potential we envision for the Virgin Islands—a future where energy security and cost efficiency are achievable realities," added Senator Bolques.      Senator Bolques also commended WAPA CEO Karl Knight, project partner VI Electron, and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for their leadership and commitment to bringing this project to fruition. "Progress requires collaboration, vision, and trust," Bolques noted. 

"The Petronella Solar Farm sets a positive precedent, and I look forward and expect more advancements in our territory's energy landscape." As the Virgin Islands continues to move toward energy transformation, Senator Bolques reaffirmed his commitment to supporting innovative energy solutions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and position the territory as a leader in clean energy within the Caribbean. 

"The road to energy resilience is long, but milestones like this remind us that we are on the right path," concluded Senator Bolques. "Let us continue to work together to deliver a sustainable, secure energy future for the Virgin Islands." 

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