Solar-power Hub in the Virgin Islands Signals a New Era for Climate-Smart Coral Restoration
TNC’s new solar array at the Coral Innovation Hub in St. Croix is pioneering a more sustainable model for powering coral restoration facilities.
An “Unplugging” Ceremony celebrating the installation of a powerful new solar system, hosted by The Nature Conservancy Virgin Islands Program last April at TNC’s Coral Innovation Hub at Estate Little Princess on St. Croix, signaled a new model for powering coral restoration facilities, not just in the Caribbean, but globally.
This view was expressed by Jessica Ward, TNC Virgin Islands Program Director, as she delivered remarks at the event, which unveiled a sign to celebrate the installation of the 164-panel solar system that now provides more than 50% of the energy needed to power the Coral Innovation Hub. “Traditionally, restoring reefs has relied on fossil-fuel-based power, contributing to the very problem we are trying to solve,” Ward, an experienced coral scientist, said. “By transitioning to solar energy, we are intentionally breaking that cycle, aligning our operations with our mission.”
Ward explained that while coral restoration is essential, it is also energy intensive, requiring reliable power for life-support systems, research, and monitoring. She said the transition to solar power “demonstrates how we can adapt to climate realities while continuing the urgent work of reef restoration, using clean energy, and nature-based solutions that work together to protect reefs for future generations.”
Darren Vanterpool, Virgin Islands Regional Manager for Banco Popular, one of the funders of the solar installation, said the bank views the solar-powered coral restoration initiative as key to TNC’s efforts to achieve its goal of reducing its carbon emission footprint by 2030.
The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Lieutenant Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, praised TNC for considering its responsibility and stewardship of the land and resources and coming up with ways to do things better and more in harmony with nature. “I really think we need to recognize how TNC has severed the power generation from the problem of carbon emissions and other impacts on our climate,” Roach said. “It is a significant and important event to celebrate.”
Pointing to the historic windmill located at Estate Little Princess and others like it that dot St. Croix’s landscape, Lt. Governor Roach said windmills provide evidence that renewable and alternative sources of energy were once part of Caribbean society and generated power for sugar production.
“Places like Estate Little Princess hold deep meaning, not only for their ecological value, but for the cultural and spiritual connections they carry for our Crucian history,” explained Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director of the Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism and the Vice-Chair of TNC’s Caribbean Board of Trustees. “By integrating renewable energy into the coral restoration work at the Coral Innovation Hub, we are honoring that legacy while building a future that is sustainable, just, and rooted in respect for both people and nature.”
The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division acknowledges the contribution of the following partners of the VI Coral Program and funders of the solar installation project: TNC in Rhode Island, Banco Popular, Honda, NOAA, the Virgin Islands’ Governor’s Office, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Energy Office, and the National Park Service.
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From lush, biodiversity‑rich mountains to colorful reefs teeming with life, natural beauty permeates the Caribbean. For more than 40 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked with 17 Caribbean nations, communities and supporters to restore ecosystems and protect what makes this region extraordinary.
