Measure would expedite construction of two solar farms to improve reliability and lower energy costs
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS– Governor Albert Bryan Jr. transmitted proposed legislation to the 36th Legislature that would approve two major Coastal Zone Management permits, with the consent of the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee, to construct and operate utility scale solar energy facilities on St. Thomas.
The permits authorize solar projects at Rem. 17 Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, and Parcel Nos. 3B and 2, Estate Fortuna, St. Thomas. The planned facilities are similar in scale and design to the solar farms now constructed and operating at Estates Petronella and Hogensborg on St. Croix, which have added clean generation and stability to the St. Croix grid.
Acting under Title 12 of the Virgin Islands Code, Section 910, the measure asks the Legislature, under extraordinary circumstances, to act in place of the CZM Committee to expedite permit approval in the public interest.
“Every Virgin Islander deserves power that is steady and affordable,” Governor Bryan said. “I know families and small businesses in the St. Thomas and St. John district are tired of rolling blackouts and the stress that comes with them. These projects are critical to provide real relief, bring new cost-effective generation online, and reduce our dependence on imported fuel. Moving these permits forward quickly is the right step for our people and our energy future.”
The administration emphasized that prompt legislative action is necessary to meet federal timelines referenced in the applicant’s filings, including requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Executive Order 14315, issued July 7, 2025. Those provisions require substantial construction of eligible solar projects by Dec. 31, 2025, to qualify for federal incentives under Internal Revenue Code Sections 48E and 45Y. Advancing the permits now positions the territory to secure those benefits, lower long term costs and strengthen grid resilience. Failure to act now will jeopardize these two critical projects to bring relief to the residents of St. Thomas and St. John.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has reviewed the projects’ documentation, environmental assessments and site plans. The St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee is scheduled to meet with the applicant on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, to confirm consistency with the environmental policies set forth in Title 12 V.I.C. Sections 903 and 906. The proposed legislation preserves environmental safeguards and monitoring while enabling timely construction to meet urgent reliability needs in the St. Thomas and St. John district.
“These solar farms are a practical, proven, and people first response to chronic energy challenges,” Governor Bryan said. “They add clean megawatts, improve reliability and give families and businesses tangible relief on their bills. I appreciate the Legislature’s partnership and ask senators to act with urgency so we can capture federal incentives and deliver the stability our residents deserve.”
If approved, the legislation will authorize immediate advancement of site work and interconnection activities necessary to place the projects into service by summer 2026.
Upon legislative approval under Title 12 V.I.C. Section 910 and confirmation of environmental compliance, the projects will proceed to construction, interconnection and commissioning in coordination with the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and other relevant agencies.
###