Renewable Energy Conversion for the Reverse Osmosis Plant in Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda
A Climate-Resilient Marine Spatial Plan will guide the protection and sustainable use of the Virgin Islands’ marine environment. It will define key zones for conservation, fisheries, recreation, and development—supporting climate resilience while enabling a balanced blue economy.
Introduction
The Virgin Islands is water scarce and is 100% dependent on desalination for its public potable water supply. Desalination is inherently energy intensive and currently powered by fossil fuel-based energy, making potable water in the Territory significantly more expensive than average and contributing a sizable share to the Territory’s carbon footprint.
The Impact
This project will result in the conversion of the reverse osmosis desalination plants serving two of the Territory’s main islands – Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke – to solar powered desalination plants. These would be the first solar-powered desalination plants in the Territory and are expected to increase the water resiliency of these islands while reducing the Territory’s carbon footprint.
The Problem
Energy required for reverse osmosis and thermal processes is currently derived from fossil fuels, creating a high-emission, unsustainable water source.
The Solution
A conceptual future system uses solar electricity and thermal energy to power desalination, achieving energy independance and creating a sustainable, clean water source.
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