St Kitts Advances 100% Renewable Plan
St Kitts and Nevis has launched an 18-month process to develop a comprehensive roadmap to reach 100% renewable energy, supported by the EU, UNDP and the Greening the Islands Foundation. The plan aims to reduce fossil fuel imports, cut CO2 emissions by 61% by 2030 and coordinate major projects including large-scale solar, geothermal development and shore power for cruise ships.
St Kitts and Nevis has taken a major step toward a 100 percent renewable energy future with the launch of a detailed roadmap development process supported by the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Greening the Islands (GTI) Foundation. The project — part of the EU’s Euroclima Caribbean programme and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda — was formally launched during a two-day workshop at the St.
Government officials, regional energy experts and international development partners met to assess current systems and plan the policies, investments and technologies needed to transform the Federation’s energy sector. Maynard said the roadmap will harmonise several energy initiatives already underway, including an Electric Vehicle Transition Policy and Action Plan, the Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy Programme, geothermal development in Nevis, a proposed 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant with battery storage, shore power facilities for cruise ships, advanced metering infrastructure and solar installations on government buildings. “We need this roadmap to harmonize these initiatives and to guarantee that our infrastructure can handle this green revolution,” he said.
UNDP’s Karima Degia emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, utilities, the private sector and development partners to improve energy security and economic resilience — priorities shared by many small island developing states. EU representative Luca Trinchieri described the roadmap as a critical tool to identify investment needs and technologies to expand renewable generation and reduce reliance on imported fuels, while creating economic opportunities.
GTI founder Gianni Chianetta argued that St Kitts and Nevis can become a global leader in renewables, saying the 100% RES Islands Initiative will build on existing studies to accelerate project implementation and attract finance. Why this matters to BVI residents: the British Virgin Islands face similar challenges as St Kitts and Nevis — heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, pressures on public finances from volatile fuel prices, and an economy shaped by tourism and shipping.
Projects such as shore power for cruise ships, large-scale solar plus batteries, and advanced metering are directly relevant to the BVI context and could provide models for replication or regional cooperation. The roadmap is expected to take about 18 months and will include stakeholder consultations, technical assessments and investment planning.
For BVI policymakers, utilities and investors, the process offers a useful case study in how international support can be marshalled to accelerate the clean energy transition across the Eastern Caribbean.
Primary source: VINO