ROAD TOWN, Tortola — Roadtown Wholesale Trading Ltd. (RTW) has officially commissioned what is being described as the Caribbean’s largest rooftop solar installation, a landmark private-sector investment expected to reshape conversations around renewable energy and energy security in the British Virgin Islands.

The one-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic system, spanning the rooftops of several buildings at RTW’s Pasea Estate complex, is projected to generate roughly 30 per cent of the company’s annual electricity demand, reducing its dependence on electricity produced from imported fossil fuels while lowering long-term operating costs.

The project was formally unveiled during a ceremony on July 9 attended by Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer, officials from the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), renewable energy company YourEco, RTW executives, business leaders and members of the media.

A Milestone Beyond RTW

While the project represents a significant investment for RTW, industry observers say its importance extends well beyond the company’s operations.

The British Virgin Islands has long depended almost entirely on imported diesel to generate electricity, leaving residents and businesses vulnerable to fluctuating global fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. Electricity costs have remained among the Territory’s most pressing economic concerns, with fuel surcharges rising sharply in recent years as international oil prices and fuel consumption increased.

Against that backdrop, RTW’s investment demonstrates how large-scale commercial renewable energy projects can reduce pressure on the electricity grid while improving energy resilience and helping businesses better manage operating costs.

The installation also aligns with broader government ambitions to diversify the Territory’s energy mix, although renewable energy adoption across the Virgin Islands has progressed slowly compared with several neighbouring Caribbean jurisdictions.

Private Sector Leading the Way

The solar installation was delivered through a partnership involving RTW, the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation and renewable energy developer YourEco.

As one of the largest private-sector renewable energy investments ever undertaken in the Virgin Islands, the project is expected to serve as a model for other commercial enterprises considering similar investments.

RTW Managing Director Jackie McDonagh described the project as one of the most important achievements in the company’s history.

“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in RTW’s 65-year history,” McDonagh said.

“The launch of the Caribbean’s largest rooftop solar installation reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible corporate leadership. We are proud to partner with BVIEC and YourEco in delivering a project that benefits our business, our community and the future of the Virgin Islands.”

Supporting a More Resilient Energy Future

Renewable energy experts have consistently argued that expanding solar generation is one of the most practical ways for the Virgin Islands to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening resilience against future fuel price shocks.

The Territory’s abundant year-round sunshine makes solar power particularly attractive, yet large commercial installations have remained relatively limited.

YourEco Chief Executive Officer Nick Spicer said the RTW project demonstrates that major businesses can successfully transition to cleaner energy while achieving long-term financial benefits.

“This project proves that commercial rooftops can deliver serious, bankable energy—lower bills, stronger resilience and a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions without compromising on quality or safety,” Spicer said.

He added that the installation was designed with long-term reliability in mind and is expected to continue delivering value for decades.

Part of a Broader Sustainability Strategy

RTW is a majority-owned subsidiary of The North West Company, an international retailer operating across Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

The solar investment forms part of the company’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, specifically its “Planet Pillar,” which focuses on reducing environmental impacts while strengthening the resilience of the communities it serves.

The project also supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change through emissions reductions and sustainable development.

Setting a Regional Benchmark

Beyond its environmental benefits, the installation establishes a new benchmark for commercial renewable energy projects across the Caribbean.

Project leaders hope it will encourage additional investment in solar infrastructure by demonstrating that large-scale rooftop systems can provide measurable financial returns while supporting national energy goals.

For the Virgin Islands, where electricity generation continues to rely predominantly on diesel-powered plants, the project represents a significant step toward diversifying the Territory’s energy portfolio and reducing long-term dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Project at a Glance

• Caribbean’s largest rooftop solar installation.
• One-megawatt (MW) installed generating capacity.
• Expected to supply approximately 30 per cent of RTW Pasea Estate’s annual electricity needs.
• Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuel-generated electricity.
• Delivered through a partnership between RTW, BVIEC and YourEco.
• Supports The North West Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.
• Contributes to the Virgin Islands’ long-term energy resilience and cleaner energy transition.