To learn more about our engine optimisation and odour remediation plans, please visit: Our Impact | BELCO
Hamilton,
Bermuda
BELCO President, Wayne Caines:
As Bermuda’s sole provider of electricity, we at BELCO take our responsibility to the community seriously – not only in terms of providing safe, reliable power, but also to take every measure possible to minimise the impacts of our operations on our environment and community.
On Friday, June 30, 2023, BELCO became aware of a notice in the Official Gazette issued by the Hon. Walter Roban J.P., M.P., Minister of Home Affairs concerning a direction given to the Regulatory Authority regarding BELCO’s emissions and an alleged breach of the Clean Air Act 1991 (CAA) and BELCO’s operating licence under the CAA.
BELCO is unaware of any non-compliance with its obligations under the CAA and therefore wishes to address this matter as expeditiously as possible. BELCO is pursuing discussions to seek clarification and will provide assurances of the steps it is taking in relation to its plant emissions.
Since issues were identified with the North Power Station (NPS) in 2020, our team has taken a systematic approach to rectifying the problem including installing shims and piston crowns on all four engines. A new engine operating protocol has also been implemented which relates to engine startup procedures and governor setting changes. This reduces the amount of fuel injected during start-up, which will result in the reduction of soot buildup in the exhaust over time. In the coming months a dryer skid will be installed which will remove moisture from the combustion process and further reduce soot fallout from the NPS exhaust stack. BELCO has also adjusted operational procedures whereby light fuel oil is used when starting an NPS engine and returning it to service. This has resulted in a reduction in particulate matter during start-up and a reduction in impacts experienced by area residents.
BELCO continually monitors our impact on the environment through ambient air quality measuring sites in Pembroke which provides data to ensure BELCO operations are operating within the Bermuda standards.
Should our neighbours experience any impacts, we encourage them to notify us as soon as possible by filling out the form available on our website or emailing .
I want to thank our neighbours and the community for their patience while we work to continuously improve our operations and reduce our impacts on our neighbours and the community.