Vision for Sustainability
On 28 November 2023, in a compelling address at the Energy Conference, Minister Konris Maynard outlined a visionary plan to position St Kitts and Nevis as a beacon of sustainability in the Caribbean region.
Roadmap to Renewable Energy
Minister Maynard revealed a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving 30 per cent renewable energy usage within the next two years, with an ambitious target of 50 to 60 per cent in the next three years.
The plan includes tax incentives, private investments, and a public awareness campaign.
Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transport
Addressing the transportation sector, the Minister positions St Kitts and Nevis as a hub for electric vehicles, emphasising their practicality and efficiency in covering the entire island on a single charge.
This move aligns with the nation’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Feeding Tariff Initiative
Minister Maynard announces the development of a feeding tariff for renewables, aiming to incentivise individuals and investors to contribute excess electricity to the grid.
This initiative plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels for power generation.
Geothermal Exploration in Nevis
Minister Maynard highlighted the government’s support for geothermal energy exploration in Nevis, aligning with their commitment to becoming a sustainable island state.
Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis, emphasised St Kitts and Nevis’ full commitment to geothermal energy, signalling its status as a national project.
Premier Brantley attended the Geothermal Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (GEOLAC) in Cartagena, Colombia, from 28 to 29 November 2023, to share the country’s commitment on a global stage.
Geothermal as Foundation for Sustainability
During the GEOLAC conference, Premier Brantley asserted that geothermal energy serves as the foundation for St Kitts and Nevis to construct the world’s first sustainable island state.
Premier Brantley outlined the broader vision of harnessing geothermal energy for the benefit of both Nevisians and Kittitians.
Highlighting the transformative potential, Premier Brantley emphasised that geothermal energy would enable St Kitts and Nevis to become the best place in the world to live, work, and do business.
Shifting the Global Narrative on Renewable Energy
Premier Mark Brantley expresses solidarity with Prime Minister Honourable Dr Terrance Drew at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), making a strong statement on the urgent need for geothermal energy development.
Premier Brantley commended the UAE for its leadership role, specifically acknowledging the creation of a loss and damage fund to aid vulnerable countries in recovering from climate disasters.
He proposed viewing renewable energy as an international public benefit in terms of financing, differentiating it qualitatively from fossil fuel energy.
His call aimed at recognising the environmental impact and the planet-saving nature of renewable energy.
Transformative Impact of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy promises to make St Kitts and Nevis the first nation independent of fossil fuels for electricity generation, marking it as the greenest place on earth.
Premier Brantley outlined the transformative impact, including economic security, clean energy, increased water supply, and affordable food production in the twin federation.
Premier Brantley envisions large deposits of geothermal energy in St Kitts and Nevis, positioning it not only to meet local needs but also to export renewable energy to neighbouring islands, fostering a revolutionary shift toward a new economy based on clean energy.
Importance of Citizenship by Investment Programme in Sustainability
Premier Brantley pinpointed the necessity of investment for realising the promises of geothermal energy, stating that the government’s transformational initiatives require critical financing.
Calls for support from investors to contribute to this revolutionary pursuit of a newer, greener economy.
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme becomes a strategic tool for attracting investment and fostering projects that align with the nation’s vision of becoming the world’s first sustainable island state.
Geothermal Project Development
The Nevis Island Administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is making steady progress in advancing the geothermal project.
The focus is on finalising the tender process with plans to commence drilling for geothermal energy in 2024.
