Minister Nicholas Stresses Need for Renewable Energy, Highlights Progress in Barbuda
Information and Technology Minister Melford Nicholas highlighted Barbuda’s achievements in renewable energy and outlined plans for the careful integration of sustainable solutions in Antigua during his contribution to the 2025 budget debate.
“Barbuda has shown what we all need to benefit from here on mainland Antigua,” Nicholas said, referencing the island’s hybrid solar and battery plant, which provides 100% of Barbuda’s daytime energy needs. He noted that the hybrid plant operates with diesel generators only during the night and has demonstrated fuel cost savings of up to 25%.
Nicholas acknowledged the complexities of transitioning Antigua’s power grid to accommodate more renewable energy. “We would need to undertake a network deployment and stability study to determine how much renewable energy we can add to the grid without creating instability on the network,” he explained.
The minister emphasized the importance of a gradual transition, citing current contractual obligations. “For your standpoint, member for Barbuda, APUA has obligations up until about 2032. It is not a problem; it is a reality,” he stated. He stressed that integrating new renewable sources must align with these commitments and the country’s daily energy demand.
Looking ahead, Nicholas revealed plans to install an additional two megawatts of renewable energy capacity in Barbuda as part of a broader initiative. “We are already involved in conversations with another coalition of partners to ensure they can deliver two megawatts of renewable energy in Barbuda,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for wind energy and rooftop photovoltaic systems to complement solar power. “We have to do it in an orderly manner to ensure we can both meet our contractual obligations and continue to meet the daily demand for energy,” Nicholas said.
The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to renewable energy and building resilience in the energy sector.
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