The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat has released two new technical assistance reports that mark important milestones for the clean energy transition in the Caribbean Netherlands. These publications offer detailed guidance on sustainable mobility planning and actionable recommendations to unlock climate finance for the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
EVs and Charging Infrastructure Plans for St. Eustatius
The report EVs and Charging Infrastructure Plans for St. Eustatius provides a comprehensive medium‑ to long‑term roadmap for the island’s transition to electric mobility. It highlights how electrification is not limited to the purchase of electric vehicles but requires careful planning of transport needs, charging infrastructure, energy system capacity, and stakeholder engagement. As a small island facing both climate vulnerability and dependence on imported fuels, St. Eustatius stands to gain resilience and new economic opportunities through locally powered clean transport solutions.
The report outlines Statia’s unique context, the urgency of shifting to sustainable mobility, and the benefits of coupling transport electrification with increased renewable energy production—offering a foundation for long‑term energy independence.
Position Paper: Bridge the Climate Finance Gap for the BES Islands
The Position Paper: Bridge the Climate Finance Gap for the BES Islands addresses structural financing challenges faced by the special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The paper describes how these islands hold ambitious clean energy visions but struggle to access suitable funding mechanisms. It identifies key barriers—including limited access to European and national funds, eligibility criteria misaligned with island contexts, and administrative complexity—and proposes targeted recommendations for policymakers.
The position paper emphasises the need for scale‑appropriate investment pathways, streamlined funding applications, improved eligibility frameworks, and expanded technical assistance. By improving access to tailored financial instruments, the BES islands can unlock their robust pipeline of renewable energy projects and accelerate the transition toward resilient, affordable, and clean energy systems.