reco is getting greener (and cheaper!)

"The implementation of a new gas-based power generation scheme by Roatan Electric Company (RECO) promotes the development of the Bay Islands and will lead to a better service and a more accessible energy costs for all the residents of Roatan," [Honduran] President Juan Hernández said today. "The investment, which exceeds $65 million (more than 1.495 billion lempiras) by RECO, is "a point in favor of the poorest because this new scheme will reduce their electricity bill between 15 and 20 percent," Hernandez said. "What we want here is for the Bay Islands to have the [infrastructure] conditions required by their well-earned reputation as a tourist destination in the world," he said, and then recognized the positive impact on the environment brought by the change to gas-fired electricity generation.

- Hondudiario [Spanish]

Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras.

greener energy for a brighter future

Roatan Electric Company (known popularly by its acronym RECO) is making a gigantic investment in Roatan's energy future. The company is currently constructing a new plant that will use much cleaner-burning natural gas to replace existing infrastructure that utilizes the dirtier fossil fuel diesel. While still far from the ideal of being 100% green, RECO's commendable, forward-looking move to cleaner natural gas is a huge leap in the right direction. This past week the massive tanks that will store the natural gas were delivered to the construction site (the security guards I chatted with said they were manufactured in Texas). The new tank farm being installed next to RECO's existing plant is quite impressive to observe. We islanders hope the move to natural gas-generated electricity will also result in lower utility rates, which currently are some of the highest in the entire Caribbean basin. I took these photos of the interesting project with my phone's camera this afternoon.

Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras.