UVI RTPark Solar Farm Groundbreaking

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - In what amounts to an historic move for the island of St. Croix, the UVI Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) has broken ground on a Solar Farm and Teaching Array - a SPARK project, on the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Albert A. Sheen Campus. 

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) - funded initiative is a key milestone in the joint efforts between the UVI and the UVI’s Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) to build a more sustainable, energy-resilient future while advancing clean energy workforce development across the Territory.

Hosted at UVI RTPark’s 64 West Center headquarters, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the launch of an ambitious and collaborative effort to strengthen energy resilience, build a future-ready workforce, and promote sustainable economic growth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The solar farm is a flagship project under the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative (Strategic Projects for Advanced Resilience and Knowledge) - a broader effort aimed at preparing Virgin Islanders for careers of the future by integrating clean energy infrastructure with education and workforce development.

The solar farm replaces a previous rooftop array that was damaged during Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017. Funded through a FEMA 406 Hazard Mitigation Grant and supported by the Office of Disaster Recovery, the new ground-mounted system is designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while also minimizing risk from future storms. The project directly aligns with UVI’s broader Energy Management Strategy, which targets a 60% reduction in fossil fuel use across the institution. 

The estimated completion date for the solar farm is August 2026.

“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships between the RTPark and UVI can drive meaningful change by integrating renewable energy solutions with workforce development,” said Eric Sonnier, Executive Director of the UVI RTPark, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also creating hands-on-learning opportunities that will equip UVI students with the skills needed to thrive in the green economy. Ultimately, it is about empowering the next generation of innovators and ensuring a resilient future for the Virgin Islands.”     

There were many local dignitaries and stakeholders who  attended the ceremony including Senator Marise C. James and former U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Donna Christensen. 

The MC for the afternoon’s event was Aminah “Get It Done” Saleem who did an excellent job of keeping the flow going and introducing the speakers and key team members.  

The affable Hugo Hodge, President of Volt Energy, LLC, contractor on the installation, contributed brief remarks at the ceremony; as did the well-spoken Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery.

“The solar farm will serve as a critical hands-on lab for our students in the Renewable Energy Technology program,” said Dr. Greg Guannell, Director of the CGTC. 

“AT UVI, student success is at the heart of our mission,” stated Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands. “And projects like the UVI RTPark Solar Farm are integral to our Grand Momentum strategic vision. By investing in innovative STEM-based learning opportunities, we are preparing our students to lead in industries that are vital to our region’s resilience and sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with the Research and Technology Park in creating a talent pipeline that will power the future of the Virgin Islands and beyond.”

This milestone marks the beginning of a bold vision for collaborative development. As the UVI RTPark and UVI continue to align academic innovation with infrastructure investment, the Territory moves one step closer to becoming a regional leader in sustainability, workforce readiness, and economic resilience.