- Initiative is part of a larger strategy to modernize the parks and enhance energy resilience in the territory
ST CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) recently announced the installation of a Level II electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park (WDRIP) on St Croix.
Managed by VIEDA’s Economic Development Park Corporation (EDPC), WDRIP serves as a key business hub offering commercial lease space to a diverse mix of private enterprises and public organizations. The addition of this EV charging station is part of the EDPC’s long-term strategy to modernize the park by incorporating more alternative energy systems, such as solar energy, and enhancing resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO).
“The installation of this EV charging station is a step toward transforming our industrial parks into energy-efficient and resilient hubs,” said Mark Finch, director of facilities at VIEDA. “This is just the beginning—we also plan to introduce an EV charging station at the Virgin Islands Industrial Park on St Thomas as part of our continued commitment to sustainable infrastructure.”
Located mid-island, just minutes away from the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, the charging station at WDRIP is available to both public and private electric vehicles and can be accessed daily from 7:00 a.m-8:00 p.m.
This is not the first time that VIEDA and VIEO have partnered on energy-related initiatives. In the past VIEDA’s Economic Development Bank (EDB) has collaborated with VIEO to help residents purchase solar systems for their homes through the Sun Power Loan Program. Most recently, VIEDA has disbursed payments to eligible residents participating in the Solar Plus Financing (SPF) Pilot Program. The SPF program offers zero money down and 1 percent interest loans to homeowners, allowing them to install photovoltaic (PV) and battery backup systems to reduce utility costs.
Wayne Biggs, Jr., chief executive officer of VIEDA, emphasized the broader impact of these partnerships:
“Our continued collaboration with the Virgin Islands Energy Office supports the Territory’s transition to renewable energy and aligns with the Vision 2040 goal of increasing our reliance on sustainable energy sources. As a leading agency in economic development in the Territory, VIEDA is committed to ensuring that our industrial parks serve as key access points for EV charging while also driving investments in alternative energy solutions for the future of the US Virgin Islands.”
