Will Antigua & Barbuda achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2030?

With the Caribbean -island state of Antigua and Barbuda having committed to achieving an entirely renewable energy system by 2030, as part of a path to a net-zero carbon economy by mid century, a study prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has placed solar front and center of the energy transition needed.

What is Antigua & Barbuda's energy policy?

Antigua and Barbuda published a draft of its National Energy Policy in December 2010, with the dual goals of reducing energy costs by diversifying away from fossil fuels and driving development of new technologies and sectors.

How much does electricity cost in Antigua and Barbuda?

Crucially, the current electricity cost of $0.15/kWh in Antigua and Barbuda could be reduced to $0.105/kWh under such a generation mix, with a low of $0.09/kWh possible under the most capital intensive, all-clean-energy-plus-hydrogen-and-EVs approach.

How can Antigua & Barbuda achieve 100% green power by 2050?

A mix of solar and wind power can help Antigua and Barbuda to an almost-90% renewable energy system, and green hydrogen could then show the path to hitting the national ambition of 100% green power by 2030, and net zero by 2050. Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda's power network in September 2017. Image: quapan/Flickr

Who owns the power in Antigua & Barbuda?

Under the terms of the deal, the Antiguan government will retain a 51% share in WIOC.10 Antigua and Barbuda’s generation resources are owned primarily by APUA, with the remainder owned by the sole independent power producer (IPP) currently in operation— Antigua Power Company Limited (APC); other IPPs are allowed but none exist to date.

What happened to energy infrastructure in Barbuda after Hurricane Irma?

For residents on Barbuda, who lost their energy infrastructure with the landing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, IRENA has built upon the power mix suggested by UAE state-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company in 2018.