Source :Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has launched a major initiative aimed at achieving 100% renewable electricity generation, marking another significant step in the Federation’s transition to a sustainable, resilient, 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 initiative will facilitate the development of a comprehensive roadmap to identify the policies, investments, and technologies required to transform the nation’s energy sector.
The roadmap, being developed under the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, will guide efforts to expand renewable energy generation, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and support the Federation’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 include consultations with public and private sector stakeholders, technical assessments, and investment planning.
The initiative was officially launched during a two-day workshop held from June 3–4 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The workshop marked the formal commencement of the global 100% RES Islands Initiative in St. Kitts and Nevis, setting the framework and methodology for the roadmap development process.
Government officials, energy experts, and international partners gathered to assess the current state of the energy sector, identify opportunities and challenges, and determine the next steps required to achieve the Federation’s renewable energy goals.
The Honourable Konris G. Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communications and Technology, and Posts, highlighted several key energy-related projects currently underway or in development. These include the Electric Vehicle Transition Policy and Action Plan, the Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy Programme, geothermal development in Nevis, a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant coupled with 30 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, shore power infrastructure for cruise ships, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, and the installation of 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,” Minister Maynard said. “We need this roadmap to harmonize these initiatives and ensure that our infrastructure is capable of supporting this green revolution.”
Ms. Karima Degia, Cluster Manager for Nature, Climate and Energy at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, commended the Government’s vision and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving a successful energy transition.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Mr. Luca Trinchieri, Team Leader for the Green Deal at the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, OECS, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the Federation’s clean energy ambitions.
“Through Euroclima and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the European Union is proud to support St. Kitts and Nevis as it advances toward a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy system that will benefit future generations,” he said.
He added that a clear and credible roadmap will help identify the investments, policies, and technologies needed to expand renewable energy generation, strengthen energy security, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“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,” Trinchieri stated.
Mr. Gianni Chianetta, Founder and Chair of the Greening the Islands Foundation, praised the Federation’s leadership in renewable energy development.
“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 achieve that goal is already evident,” he said. “Our role is to help transform that commitment into reality.”
He explained that the 100% RES Islands Initiative will bring together key stakeholders, including regional partners such as the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), while building on existing studies and initiatives to close remaining gaps and accelerate financing and implementation.
As the implementing agency for the Euroclima Programme in the Caribbean, UNDP works 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 helping to drive sustainable growth, energy independence, and climate resilience for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.