An offshore floating natural gas-fuelled power station is among eight alternative electricity generation proposals published today by the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda.

The power sector regulator received the proposals during the consultation process for Bermuda’s electricity plan, known as the Integrated Resource Plan.

An offshore wind farm and a steam-fired power station using biomass fuel technology are among the other alternative proposals, which RAB is publishing for public consultation.

Offshore Utilities has proposed a ship-based floating power station, anchored offshore, that would comprise two LNG-fuelled combined cycle gas turbines, with generation capacity of at least 100 megawatts.

BCM McAlpine, in partnership with Bouygues Energies and Services, is proposing a feasibility study into different technologies that could be deployed at the Ship’s Wharf site in the East End.

BE Solar has effectively produced an alternative version of the IRP. It’s preferred option features a 60-megawatt offshore wind farm, proposed to be operational by 2023.

Bermuda Environment Energy Solutions Group Consortium provides details of a bulk generation plant at Ship’s Wharf, with six dual-fuel reciprocating internal combustion engines, giving total generating capacity of about 55 megawatts.

Brad Sorensen and Arpheion Inc puts forward an idea for at least 200 megawatts of clean energy from hydrogen-based steam generation, as well as water production from the recovered steam.

Enviva and Albioma provide details of a proposed steam-fired generation plant at Ship’s Wharf, with 47-megawatt capacity, fuelled by wood pellets.

Sol is proposing a bulk generation plant at the company’s Ferry Reach terminal. The plant would comprise dual-fuel engines that can burn either heavy fuel oil or natural gas. Two size options are considered, 18.4 megawatts and 55.2 megawatts. The larger one would require changes to be made to the grid to export the power.

The IRP will forecast Bermuda’s future electricity demand and identify generation technologies to include in Bermuda’s future energy supply. Those technologies may be based on information recently submitted during this IRP process, in alternative proposals.

The process is now at the stage where the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda will consider the alternative bulk generation and demand side resources technology for inclusion in the IRP.

Only technologies included in the IRP may be considered for future bulk generation or DSR when the need arises. At such time that the alternative generation is required, a tender process would be initiated for the suggested technology and interested parties will be invited to submit through a competitive bidding procedure, as set by the Authority.

A summary of the alternative proposals, along with each alternative proposal, is published on the RAB’s website, www.rab.bm/electricity-public-consultations/, for public review and consultation.

Stakeholders and the public are invited to comment on these alternative proposals between now and November 13. Responses may be submitted by clicking the “Submit” button on the webpage mentioned above.

All comments will be considered in developing the final IRP document.

Aaron Smith, interim chief executive officer of RAB, said: “The IRP is an important document that will set the long-term plan for Bermuda’s electricity generation.

“To that end, the Authority will ensure that this process is all encompassing and that the information is as widely available as possible, to all residents. We urge interested parties to engage in the process before November 13.”