The small island country of Sanit Kitts and Nevis has a bold ambition to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030. To achieve this ambitious target, Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially launched the Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap. The roadmap was launched during a consultative workshop held on June 3 and June 4 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The roadmap is being led by the Energy Unit within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities. The initiative is funded by the European Union through the EUROCLIMA Caribbean Programme and is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Greening the Islands Foundation (GTI).
The roadmap, 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 per cent 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 roadmap is aligned with the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA)- a comprehensive national strategic plan launched by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to transform the Federation into a self-sufficient, climate-resilient, and economically independent nation by 2040.- this roadmap will help identify priority investments, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and unlock the country’s renewable energy potential.
Konris G. Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts, Saint Kitts 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. Highlighting the need for urgent action, the minister noted that more than 90 percent of the country’s electricity generation remains dependent on imported diesel fuel, leaving the nation vulnerable to external market forces.“Despite our abundant natural resources, our energy future remains tied to events beyond our shores. That clearly is not sustainable,” he said while noting that the Federation has vast renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, and geothermal resources.He emphasized, “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.”
Karima Degia, Cluster Manager for Nature, Climate and Energy at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recognized 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. She said, “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.”
Mr. Luca Trinchieri, Team Leader, Green Deal, EU Delegation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, said: “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 launch of the renewable energy roadmap marks an important milestone in St. Kitts and Nevis’ transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy future. By aligning ongoing renewable energy projects with a comprehensive national strategy, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, and accelerate climate action.
