WAPA, Vitol receiving mega-propane storage tanks

The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and Vitol, the territory’s propane conversion contractor, are expected to take delivery of two of their first 10 storage tanks on St. Thomas as part of a large-scale power generation project.

Last October, eight storage tanks were transported to St. Croix.

According to a press release, WAPA currently burns heavy crude oil for 92 percent of its electrical needs, but Hugo V. Hodge Jr., executive director of the Virgin Islands WAPA, says he expects WAPA to burn 100 percent propane by this summer. WAPA has been working to move away from oil for power generation and toward propane since 2013 in an effort to reduce electricity costs.

WAPA will continue to receive storage tanks two at a time by barge for the project. Two more storage tanks will be delivered today. Hodge says he expects the last set of tanks to be delivered Feb. 26.