The Caracol photovoltaic solar power plant project, located in the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC), represents a significant advancement for Haiti's electrical system. With an installed capacity of 13.4 MW, it is the largest solar project ever undertaken in Haiti and the first to be directly integrated into the national grid. This $57 million project, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aims to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuel-powered thermal power generation.

Designed to meet the critical energy needs of the PIC and surrounding residential areas, the Caracol solar power plant relies on an innovative hybrid system that guarantees reliable 24/7 electricity. This system includes 13.4 MW of photovoltaic power generation, a battery energy storage system (BESS) to smooth production and manage peak demand, and backup thermal units used only as needed to ensure continuity of service.

This architecture reduces the cost per kilowatt-hour while improving the stability of the local grid, a key factor for the region's industrial competitiveness.

Progress of the Construction Site and Gradual Commissioning :

The Caracol solar power plant, built by Ssangyong Engineering & Construction under the supervision of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANARSE), has reached significant milestones. The photovoltaic installations now cover a considerable area, and the grid connection equipment is being progressively installed.

Site visits have been conducted in recent months to assess the progress of the construction, the quality of the installed equipment, and the compliance of the work with international technical standards. The plant will be commissioned gradually to ensure seamless integration with existing storage systems and thermal power units, without disrupting the electrical grid.

The deployment of solar energy in Caracol will bring significant benefits on several levels:

• Energy Independence: A substantial reduction in the importation of petroleum fuels for thermal power generation.

• Employment Support: By guaranteeing access to energy for businesses in the Industrial Park, the project protects thousands of local jobs.

• Ecological Transition: A significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enabling Haiti to meet its international climate commitments.

Thanks to its scale and integrated nature, the Caracol solar power plant is a national benchmark for the development of large-capacity grid-connected solar projects. It paves the way for a new generation of energy infrastructure that can be replicated and adapted in other regions of the country.

HL/ HaitiLibre