The project was officially launched during a two-day workshop held from June 3-4 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, bringing together government officials, energy experts and international development partners to assess the current energy landscape and chart the way forward. Photo: St Kitts & Nevis Observer

The initiative, 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, will develop a comprehensive energy roadmap designed to guide the Federation’s transition to renewable energy.

The roadmap, being developed under the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, will identify the policies, investments and technologies required to transform the country’s energy sector. It is expected to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and support the Federation’s target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 61 per cent by 2030.

The project was officially launched during a two-day workshop held from June 3-4 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, bringing together government officials, energy experts and international development partners to assess the current energy landscape and chart the way forward.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts, Konris G. Maynard, said the roadmap would help coordinate several key energy projects already underway.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the 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 the installation of solar 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 said.

The roadmap development process is expected to take approximately 18 months and will involve consultations with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, technical assessments and investment planning.

Karima Degia, Cluster Manager for Nature, Climate and Energy at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, praised the Government’s vision and stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, utility companies, the private sector and development partners.

She said the transition to renewable energy was critical for small island developing states seeking greater energy security, economic resilience and climate sustainability.

Representatives of the European Union also reaffirmed their support for the initiative. Luca Trinchieri, Team Leader for the Green Deal at the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, described the roadmap as a critical tool for identifying the investments and technologies necessary to expand renewable energy generation and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

He noted that the transition to renewable energy presents not only environmental benefits but also economic opportunities by improving energy independence and competitiveness.

Founder and Chair of the GTI Foundation, Gianni Chianetta, said St. Kitts and Nevis has the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy.

He explained that the 100% Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Islands Initiative would bring together local and regional stakeholders to build upon existing studies and accelerate investment and project implementation.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by UNDP and the European Union to support climate resilience, sustainable development and clean energy transitions throughout the Caribbean, while helping countries like St. Kitts and Nevis reduce fuel imports and strengthen long-term energy security.