In the face of increasing climate degradation, the role of transport in exacerbating the climate crisis is significant, and the transition to more sustainable modes of transport is essential. The electrification of transport is one element in this transition. However, this electrification is not limited to acquiring electric vehicles, but rather entails a medium- to long-term plan that considers transport needs, infrastructure, energy requirements, and stakeholder buy-in.
In the case of the island of Sint Eustatius, the context is especially important and unique when planning this transition. On the one hand, the urgency of transitioning to sustainable transport alternatives is high for islands, as they face considerable existential threats due to climate change. On the other hand, transitioning to electrified transport with more local production of energy would allow the island to break its dependency on imports of fuels, thus creating additional business opportunities locally.