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- Roadmap being developed by GTI with support from the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda and Euroclima programme
BASSETERRE, St Kitts – The government of St Kitts and Nevis has launched a major initiative to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity generation, marking another important step in the Federation’s transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.
Supported by the European Union through the Euroclima Caribbean programme and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Greening The Islands (GTI) Foundation, the Federation will develop a roadmap for identifying the policies, investments and technologies needed to transform its energy sector.
The roadmap, which is being undertaken under the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, will guide efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and support the country’s target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 61 percent by 2030. The roadmap development process is expected to take approximately 18 months and will involve consultations with public and private sector stakeholders, technical assessments and investment planning.
The initiative was officially launched during a two-day workshop held on 3 – 4 June at the St Kitts Marriott Resort. The workshop marks the formal kick-off of the global 100 percent RES Islands Initiative in St Kitts and Nevis, setting the Initiative’s methodology in motion. Government officials, energy experts and international partners came together to assess the current state of the energy sector, identify opportunities and challenges, and agree on the next steps needed to achieve the country’s renewable energy ambitions.
Konris G. Maynard, minister of public infrastructure, energy and utilities, domestic transport, information, communication and technology and posts, highlighted several energy-related projects at various stages of development.
These included the Electric Vehicle Transition Policy and Action Plan, the Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy Program, geothermal development in Nevis, a 50 MW solar PV plant coupled with 30 MWh of battery storage, providing cruise ships with shore power, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, and microgrids and solar PV systems on government buildings.
“Every single one of these projects highlights the immediate need for the study we are launching today. We need this roadmap to harmonize these initiatives, and to guarantee that our infrastructure can handle this green revolution,” Maynard emphasised.
Karima Degia, cluster manager for nature, climate and energy at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recognised the vision of the government of St Kitts and Nevis, noting that the energy transition needs strong partnerships and sustained cooperation across government, utilities, private sector, and development partners.
“The commitment to achieving a fully renewable energy future is both ambitious and forward-looking and UNDP is here to support translating this ambition into action. We connect national priorities with international best practices, while ensuring that solutions remain grounded in the realities and needs of Small Island Developing States, for whom this transition is essential for energy security, economic resilience, and climate action,” Degia said.
Luca Trinchieri, team leader, green deal, EU delegation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, said:
“Through Euroclima and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the European Union is proud to support Saint Kitts and Nevis as it advances towards a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable energy system that will benefit future generations. St Kitts and Nevis has set an ambitious vision for its energy future, and this initiative is an important step towards making that vision a reality. A clear and credible roadmap will help identify the investments, policies and technologies needed to expand renewable energy, strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“The European Union is committed to working with governments across the Caribbean on shared priorities such as clean energy, climate resilience and sustainable growth, and we are pleased to support this important initiative through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda. The transition to renewable energy is not only a climate imperative; it is also an economic and development opportunity. By reducing dependence on imported fuels and harnessing its abundant renewable resources, St. Kitts and Nevis can build a more secure, competitive and sustainable future.”
Gianni Chianetta, founder & chair, Greening The Islands Foundation, said:
“St Kitts and Nevis has set out to become a renewable energy leader, not only in the Caribbean but globally, and the political will to get there is already strong. Our role is to help turn that will into reality. Through the methodology of the 100 percent RES Islands Initiative, we will bring together all the key island stakeholders along with regional partners such as CCREEE and CARILEC, build on the studies and experience already in place, and close the gaps that remain. Standardising the output of this work is what allows us to accelerate finance and deployment. We are grateful to Euroclima and UNDP for their support in making this possible.”
As the implementing agency for the Euroclima programme in the Caribbean, UNDP partners with the European Union and national governments to accelerate climate action, strengthen resilience and support the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. By combining global partnerships with local action, Euroclima Caribbean is not only supporting climate resilience but also driving sustainable growth and energy independence for the people of St Kitts and Nevis.