The burning of fossil fuels — like coal, oil and natural gas — releases gases into the air, mainly carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. While these have been one of the cornerstones of civilisation, scientists believe burning fossil fuels is causing an increase in these gases, which is leading to global warming and other detrimental environmental effects never before seen in our lifetime.
Worldwide our lifestyles are centered around electricity but the way we make that electricity needs to change if we want to continue enjoying the comforts of life on Earth. Fossil Fuels supply 84 per cent of the world’s energy. Despite being potentially detrimental to the environment, fossil fuels are still heavily relied on to provide energy around the world.
Antigua & Barbuda is primarily dependent on imported petroleum products for its energy sources. There is no production of primary and or secondary fossil fuels in Antigua and Barbuda, so secondary fuels including gasoline, jet kerosene, gas, oil/diesel, heavy fuel oil (bunker C) fuel oil, and LPG are imported for local consumption.
However, this will not be sustainable for much longer since fossil fuels are available in limited supply and are not renewable. According to “Our World in Data,” at its current usage gas for example is likely to run out in the next 46 years.
“If we’re going to survive climate change, if we’re gonna achieve reductions in greenhouse gases, it has to happen in our lifetime …It has to happen, otherwise we’ll not be able to live in Antigua and Barbuda, ” remarked Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Climate Ambassador, when asked about the potential of Antigua and Barbuda to reach its 2030 goal to transitions most of its energy to renewable sources.
But transitioning from a source that we’ve used for more than 200 years will not be a simple endeavour as several factors have to be considered including implementing policy, enacting laws, sensitizing the public, and putting actual measures in place to reduce our reliance on energy produced from fossil fuel. For example, as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), by 2025 Antigua & Barbuda wants to change its fiscal policies on fossil fuel to enable the transition to 100% renewable energy generation in the transportation sector. That however is still a work in progress.
But perhaps more critical for small islands like Antigua & Barbuda, is how it will fund this major change. According to Camacho, reports indicate that Antigua and Barbuda would need approximately “USD $60 million annually in climate adaptation and mitigation” to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 2030. This significant cost is compounded by limited access to traditional financing paths, with the nation turning to “debt-for-climate swaps and other new financing instruments” as possible solutions.
“The financial flows have to be directed globally to transition away from fossil fuels. That has to be a big market driver internationally for the types of technology and to drive the cost of these technologies down and to have them more easily accessible to small economies like in Antigua and Barbuda.”
Reports dating back to 1990, have confirmed that combustion of fossil fuels in the Energy Sector is the main source of CO2 emissions in Antigua and Barbuda. Subsequent increases in the use of fossil fuels have been driven by economic expansion.
The distribution and sale of electricity is the exclusive right of the country’s state-owned Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). Winston Whyte, Renewable Energy Engineer at the APUA, discussed the agency’s renewable energy portfolio, current capacity, and the complexities involved in Antigua and Barbuda’s transition to renewables.
He noted, “It’s not as easy as saying we’re going to do this and it’ll happen,” pointing out that “we don’t have the funding” and face practical challenges in balancing renewable integration with reliable supply. He emphasized, “You don’t want to integrate renewable energy at the expense of reliable supply to customers.”
Factors to Consider:
- Supply and demand
- Funding resource needs
- Space for renewable plants
- Major infrastructural build-out
- Energy storage
- Drought frequency and its impact on production
- Exposure of renewable energy assets to natural disasters
- Implications of laws, treaties, and policies that guide renewable energy transition
The answer to solving the country’s energy challenge is likely a two-tier approach Whyte suggested. He said while Antigua primarily relies on intermittent renewable energy sources available to it in wind and solar, it lacks constant energy like hydro or geothermal to fully energise the entire country. “In our case, the only resource we have is intermittent. So we have wind and solar. Why that distinction is important? So intermittent renewable energy, when you connect them to the grid, they have the unfortunate property of destabilizing the grid. So as you integrate more and more variable renewable energy, the grids become less and less reliable.”
Again, the issue of cost comes up since the government would have to purchase the technology, for example, wind or solar transducers, to convert electricity. Batteries are also needed to absorb and stabilize the generation and to help with the grid.
These systems he noted are extremely vulnerable to hurricanes. “So can you imagine if we have hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy and we get a storm and wipe that out or severely damage then, if we’re relying completely on renewable energy then it’s really disruptive. We couldn’t get the system back online in days or weeks if you have severe damage.”
And of course, he reminded, “you have to train people to maintain those services”.
Therefore, Whyte concluded that some form of fossil fuel use may always be necessary to meet the demands of the growing population.
Progress: What has been done?
While arguably more can be done to fast-track the reduction of fossil fuel use, Antigua and Barbuda has not sat idly by. The twin island aims to source 86 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by the year 2030 and has made moves in support of that goal.
See below Antigua and Barbuda’s climate change framework (source Energy Report Card for 2021)
Crabbs LNG plant
At the end of 2023, the utility authority supported the establishment of an LNG plant at Crabbs Peninsula to purchase cleaner energy from the Antigua Power Company (APC). Wärtsilä was awarded the contract to supply and install the 46 MW dual-fuel power plant. The plant operates primarily on re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to supply fuel to households. The process is more environmentally friendly, safer, and cheaper to produce. The plant is also built to withstand a category 5 hurricane.
Calid Hassad, APC Manager said during a tour of the facility that LNG is safer than using diesel, gasoline, propane, and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) which are more prone to combustion. The plant produces 40% per cent less carbon emissions. The plant also made Antigua and Barbuda the first in the Eastern Caribbean to have the potential to export natural gas. The total capital investment for that project is approximately XCD$300 million.
Hybrid electricity plant on Barbuda
On the sister Island of Barbuda, hurricane Irma ironically brought good fortune in the area of renewable energy. A hurricane-resistant hybrid electricity station was commissioned on Barbuda with the ability to use both diesel and solar energy to power the electricity grid for the entire island both day and night. The ground also has a weather station to check ambient temperatures and wind speed.
Unlike the plants in Antigua, which are completely exposed to the weather and have no battery storage, Barbuda’s plant is equipped with adequate battery storage to allow it to seamlessly convert between the systems.
The station is also built to withstand category 5 hurricanes. Troy Robinson, Supervisor at APUA Barbuda explained that double-layered solar panels are embedded deep into the foundation and are cast with concrete. The building too, he says, was built to withstand bad weather.
The project, valued at USD$50 million, was part of the Green Barbuda initiative funded by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Masdar. Before then, Barbuda relied solely on fossil fuel-generated electricity.
Robinson however shared that Barbuda’s rapidly growing population has resulted in growing demand for electricity in which case the old plant is still being maintained in case of an outage or emergency. “The load capacity on Barbuda is just about 800 and growing. It was just about seven something last year but since Christmas it just holds,” Robinson remarked.
With this in mind, on 17, October the government announced that “a renewable energy plant is shortly to be added to the grid to produce 2 additional megawatts of power, and batteries to store the energy to be used by new homes and hotels demanding more energy” in Barbuda.
Solar Power Plant at V.C Bird International Airport
The USD$4.5 million clean energy investment at the airport was built in just six months. The 3 MWp sun2live airport solar energy plant, planned, installed, operated, and maintained by the UK-based clean energy provider PV Energy Limited, reportedly generated revenues of more than USD$1 million.
The ground-mounted solar power plant is located at the southwest shoulder of the V.C. Bird International Airport Antigua and feeds the national grid with the energy generated.
The solar farm is part of a total capacity of 10 MWp in solar installations that was agreed between the government and PV Energy. The remaining 7 MWp was installed on the roofs of public buildings such as ministries, schools, and hospitals, and also in the shape of additional ground-mounted parks.
Public Transport Powered by Zero-Emission Source
The transportation sector is the second largest source of GHG emissions in Antigua and Barbuda. Reductions in emissions from the transport sector are generally regarded as among the most difficult to achieve due to its almost complete dependence on petroleum fuels and affiliation to entrenched transportation lifestyles. But efforts to diversify transportation are underway. The government says it has a comprehensive plan to swap 180 vehicles in its public sector fleet with electronic alternatives.
At the end of October, 9 electric buses were handed over to public bus drivers for trial. This pilot programme aims to test the viability of electric vehicles in Antigua and Barbuda’s unique terrain and climate.
During the pilot period, bus owners will have the opportunity to choose drivers who will operate these vehicles for short periods, typically a day or two, over a six-month to one-year period. The drivers can then determine if an electric bus is a viable and financially prudent option for them. The tests will take into account the terrain and how effortlessly these vehicles can conquer slopes and unpaved roads that occur throughout the island.
The Sustainable Low-Emissions Island Mobility (SLIM) project is aimed at promoting low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience and is supported by the Department of Environment (DoE). Along with the new fleet of vehicles, the DoE will be installing solar-powered charging stations, one for the West Bus Station Terminal and the other at the main airport.
Before then, the government had already launched pilot projects to test out electric vehicles for use in the public school system. In 2020, the DoE handed over two electric school buses to the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board to promote low-emission public and private transportation systems. Private residents have also invested in hybrid and electric vehicles, totalling more than 23 since 2021.
Encouraging Renewable Use
Tax waiver
In February 2024, the government took a major step by waiving all duties and the Environmental Levy on electric vehicles (EVs). This policy aims to help Antigua and Barbuda transition away from gas and diesel-powered vehicles—including cars, buses, ambulances, and trucks—toward electric alternatives, thereby reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
Years ago, Ambassador Calvin Ayre, a well-known philanthropist, set up EV charging stations at the Canada Place business hub, and there are now a few other charging points in the country.
Limiting Older, High-Emission Vehicles
To reduce emissions further, the government has restricted the import of used gasoline vehicles older than seven years. This move targets second-hand vehicles from markets like Japan, which make up a significant part of Antigua’s car population. Local banks have also aligned with this rule, only allowing customers to finance used cars that are seven years old or newer.
Training for EV Maintenance
Supporting this shift, the government announced it will fund training programs for students to learn how to maintain and repair EVs. Starting in the 2025 school year, the Harrison Center (formerly known as the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education – ABICE) will offer courses in EV maintenance.
APUA’s Solar Interconnection Policy
Since 2011, Antigua and Barbuda’s utility company, APUA, has run an interconnection policy that allows both residential and commercial customers to use solar energy on their properties. Under this policy, customers can install solar systems on rooftops or on the ground to reduce their energy consumption and save on bills. Initially, the policy was based on net metering but since 2015 it’s operated as a net billing system, allowing customers to cut down electricity costs through renewable energy sources.
Opportunities for Renewable Energy in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is well-suited for renewable energy, with potential in both solar and wind energy.
Wind Energy
Historically, wind power supported Antigua’s sugar production industry, showcasing the favourable wind conditions here. However, transitioning to wind energy for electricity has been challenging. High initial costs, limited technology transfer, and the need for local maintenance expertise make wind power a significant investment. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda lack a detailed wind database to guide development, and public awareness of wind technology is still low.
Solar Energy
Antigua and Barbuda enjoy one of the Caribbean’s best solar climates, making solar energy a strong option. Solar water heaters are already in use, saving both electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There’s room to expand this success by promoting solar water heaters and exploring other solar uses, such as telecommunications. However, despite improvements in solar technology, most applications like photovoltaics are designed for rural or off-grid settings, which doesn’t align perfectly with Antigua and Barbuda’s existing widespread electric grid coverage.
The cost of renewable energy vs the cost of doing nothing
Antigua and Barbuda has propelled itself as a leader in climate change advocacy. Earlier this year, it became the first country to sign on to a treaty initiative to devise a strategy to end the expansion of fossil fuels and manage a global phase-out of coal, oil, and gas under the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Following this historic move, the Marshall Islands also joined the treaty during the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference in Antigua in May. One tangible result from that conference was the establishment of the SIDS Centre of Excellence, a hub for small islands to collaborate on climate resilience and sustainable energy initiatives.
Again, in the government’s pursuit of climate change, Gaston Browne Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships of Antigua and Barbuda, addressed the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York in September, insisting on support for the treaty.
N.B The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
While there is a USD$60-million-dollar price tag to making a full transition to renewables in Antigua and Barbuda, the cost of taking no steps towards changing is even greater. According to Camacho-Thomas, it is the actual ecosystem changes and the changes in increased vulnerability to disasters which include droughts, hurricanes, and storm surges that will present the most deleterious effects of fossil fuel.
Without meaningful steps towards renewable energy, Antigua and Barbuda faces a future of escalating climate impacts:
- Loss of Biodiversity and Land: Rising sea levels could result in the loss of up to 20 square kilometres of land by 2060. Ocean warming, even at depths of 30 feet, is stressing marine life, while more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and fires threaten coastlines and ecosystems.
- Threats to Water Security: Increased droughts will put further strain on the country’s reverse osmosis plants, its primary source of drinking water, risking both availability and affordability.
- Food Security Risks: Marine species decline will affect fishermen and local food supplies. Extreme weather and heat stress also harm livestock, and crops, and lead to higher food import bills.
- Health and Environmental Hazards: Higher temperatures and erratic rainfall create ideal breeding conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes, while air pollution increases the risk of heart and lung diseases. Carbon emissions contribute to heat-related illnesses, behavioural changes, and displacement due to coastal erosion.
Key Insights
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative calls for polluters to stop new projects and start phasing out existing licences and plants. So far, most countries that have signed onto the treaty are Small Island Developing States (SIDS). But the buy-in of citizens and large polluters is what treaty members believe will drive the conversation forward into tangible change. So far, 14 countries have endorsed the treaty with the Federated States of Micronesia endorsing it as recently as September 26, 2024.
While the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) outcome sent an important signal on the need to transition away from fossil fuels, it failed to address the systemic and financial barriers that still prevent many countries from transitioning. This means that low-income and middle-income countries have to mobilise unprecedented levels of upfront investment to transition from renewables. Inevitably, this has placed countries like Antigua and Barbuda in a “debt-climate-change trap” where a significant portion of the debt has been incurred due to rebuilding efforts after a disaster and where much of the borrowing has to come from international donors.
At present, there are several barriers to financing Antigua and Barbuda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and meeting those targets to reduce Greenhouse Gases. The greatest barrier is access to highly concessional finance particularly because Antigua and Barbuda is classified as a high-income country and is no longer considered for concessional financing for its development agenda. And so, the country has to find creative ways to meet its financing needs.
During the SIDS conference hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, Jwala Rambarran, a senior financing advisor for the Caribbean said debt cancellation is what is most needed for those countries. However, over 85% of the finance to subsidise fossil fuel is going to developed countries, according to the 2023 World Energy Investment (WEI) report.
Antigua and Barbuda’s journey to a sustainable, low-carbon future is crucial, but it requires a strong partnership across government, private sector, and community to decarbonize and protect the environment while meeting residents’ needs.
So COP29 in November is a big deal! Labelled as the “Finance COP”, SIDS are hoping to change the narrative on financing by having the option of getting their “fit-for-purpose” climate needs met without becoming indebted to bigger countries who are responsible for the majority of the emissions triggering adverse climatic weather.
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This story was originally published by Island Press Box, with the support of Climate Tracker’s Fossil Fuel Reporting Fellowship.
