Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, has observed a significant shift in the global energy landscape, with major fossil fuel-producing nations increasingly recognising the importance of renewable energy. Speaking recently at The Roundtable press briefing, Dr. Drew noted that oil-producing countries are now investing heavily in sustainable energy to avoid being left behind as the world transitions to green alternatives.
“What I have observed is that the oil-producing countries recognise that the future is in renewable energy,” the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasised that these nations must lead the transition or risk falling behind. The shift is driven not only by the urgent need to combat climate change but also by small island developing states, like St. Kitts and Nevis, which are advocating for alternatives to fossil fuels due to their negative environmental impact.
To support this transition, the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) has entered into a rental power agreement with energy solutions provider Aggreko, enabling the procurement of generators capable of using natural gas. Dr. Drew highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating this deal, which marks a step toward diversifying energy sources and enhancing grid stability.
The prime minister also pointed out that larger countries are making significant investments in renewable energy technologies. The United States, for instance, is emerging as a leader in geothermal energy, while the United Kingdom has embarked on developing modular nuclear plants using safer radioactive materials and has introduced a 14-megawatt wind turbine in collaboration with Siemens.
Dr. Drew noted that the advantages of renewable energy extend beyond environmental benefits. The shift offers cheaper energy solutions, which could help St. Kitts and Nevis to reduce its current electricity cost of 60 cents per kilowatt-hour. Lower energy costs, he explained, would create fiscal space for other developmental initiatives and stabilise the nation’s economy. He referenced an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which said that cheaper and more predictable energy costs could have an immediate positive impact on the country’s financial stability.
Amid concerns about global energy market fluctuations driven by geopolitical tensions, Dr. Drew expressed confidence that renewable energy sources provide independence and resilience.
“Nobody can hold anything around your neck because they can’t stop the sun from shining or the wind from blowing,” he said, pointing to Nevis’ geothermal potential as a unique asset.
With the global shift accelerating, Dr. Drew affirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to pursuing renewable energy as a pathway to economic stability and environmental sustainability. The government’s strategy aligns with the broader trend toward cleaner energy sources and reflects a proactive approach to securing the country’s energy future.
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