Island facts
The islands’ electricity use is 16.5 GWh. Still, the demand is growing fast (2% per year) and depends on investments in new grand resorts on the island, such as the envisaged Golden Rock Resort, with an expected installed 700kWp solar park with battery storage/BESS. Statia Utility Company (STUCO) supplies electricity and drinking water. The energy system is transitioning to renewables. Until 2016, power was solely diesel-generated. In March 2016, the inaugural phase of a solar park with a 1.89 MWp capacity began, catering to 23% of the total power needed. November 2017 saw an additional 2.15 MWp, cumulating 14,345 solar panels with a 4.1 MW capacity, producing 6.4 GWh annually. This hurricane-resistant solar park incorporates 5.9 MWh lithium-ion batteries, contributing to grid stability and energy allocation. With swift cloud movements in the region, the SMA HybridController maintains real-time energy, balancing diesel and battery power, to be further upgraded when phase 3 of the energy plan is completed. Diesel generators remain inactive from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on clear days.
TNO Research's analysis for Statia posits that, coming from ca. 50% today, achieving 80% energy self-sufficiency through renewables is plausible, forecasting an annual electricity need of 18.6 GWh with 6.6 MW Solar PV, 2.4 MW Wind, and 22.3 MWh BESS. The wind power contribution is under study, but the preliminary results look positive.
From an 80 to 100% Renewables-based E-System St Eustatius aims to transition to an 80% renewables-based Energy System (primarily electricity) in the next years. While this goal is considered fully attainable, moving beyond 100% renewable energy, to be achieved in 2030, poses intricate challenges. Currently, there's no detailed & final roadmap for this ultimate step, highlighting the need for expert advice. The CE4EUI Technical Assistance (TA) could offer essential advice and guidance for this phase.
Organisations involved in the transition are Sint Eustatius Public Authority - https://www.statiagovernment.com/, STUCO - https://www.statiagovernment.com/key-topics/water-management-stuco/contact, Dutch Ministry of Energy & Climate - https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ministerie-van-economische-zaken-en-klimaat, Residents & House owners (including tourists), Holiday Parks, Other Electricity-User Groups (Business, Services, Harbour, Airport, Water Company etc.), Suppliers of PV-, Windpower and Battery systems plus other emerging ET-technologies, Car producers, car owners, garages, car rental companies for EV fleet bidirectional functioning battery systems, IT Companies for Smart Systems, Suppliers of Infrastructural Facilities, Engineering & Construction Companies, Installers, Researchers, Energy Transition Modellers and Advisers, Training Institutes for multi-skilled ET engineers, craftsmen, managers and civil servants.
Most of the mentioned Stakeholders are already part of the previous and ongoing phases 1-4 of the Statia Energy Transition Plan and are on the island or have their venues. However, in case new skills and capacity are needed in the 80-->100% project phase, in close connection with still to be explored new options, such as Hydrogen, a temporary influx of specialists might be needed, as well as on capacity building and upskill training for existing technical and managerial staff.
As part of the 30 for 2030 call the following activities are planned:
Smart Electric Systems – Scalability of the Planned Smart Infrastructure to Integrate Distributed RES and Smart Grid Technology
This project involves a detailed analysis of the planned smart infrastructure to ensure its scalability. It includes identifying other smart grid solutions that could be integrated to enhance performance. Recommendations will be made to optimize the current plans, ensuring efficient integration of distributed renewable energy sources (RES) and advanced smart grid technology.
Roadmap for Implementation of Optimal Solutions Recommended in the SES Study
The project focuses on creating a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the optimal solutions identified in the SES study. This includes analysing existing policies and regulations, as well as engaging end-users to ensure smooth adoption and execution. The roadmap will outline specific actions and timelines necessary for successful implementation.
Plan for Road EV Charging Infrastructure Roll-out
This project aims to define the critical and optimal locations for installing EV charging infrastructure. It will include strategies for managing charging during peak hours using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) protocols. The project will establish standards for charging, protocols for management, and methods for clearing charging costs, ensuring a seamless rollout and efficient operation of the EV charging network.
Analysis of the Optimal Way to Integrate Centralized (St. Eustatius) and/or Decentralized RES + EV Charging Infrastructure into One Grid Management System (SES)
The study will investigate how to integrate centralized and decentralized renewable energy sources with EV charging infrastructure into a single grid management system. It will focus on increasing grid visibility and utilizing smart devices to improve grid management. The goal is to ensure a secure supply and optimal usage of renewable energy.
Analysis of the Additional RES or Innovative Technologies Needed for Reaching 100% RES for Each of the BES Islands
This project involves conducting workshops or studies to enhance knowledge about renewable energy technologies on the BES islands. The focus will be on increasing the visibility of the techno-economic options available for different technologies. The project aims to identify additional renewable energy sources or innovative technologies required to achieve 100% renewable energy for each island.