Will Antigua & Barbuda achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2030?

With the Caribbean -island state of Antigua and Barbuda having committed to achieving an entirely renewable energy system by 2030, as part of a path to a net-zero carbon economy by mid century, a study prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has placed solar front and center of the energy transition needed.

How can Antigua & Barbuda achieve 100% green power by 2050?

A mix of solar and wind power can help Antigua and Barbuda to an almost-90% renewable energy system, and green hydrogen could then show the path to hitting the national ambition of 100% green power by 2030, and net zero by 2050. Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda's power network in September 2017. Image: quapan/Flickr

How much does electricity cost in Antigua and Barbuda?

Crucially, the current electricity cost of $0.15/kWh in Antigua and Barbuda could be reduced to $0.105/kWh under such a generation mix, with a low of $0.09/kWh possible under the most capital intensive, all-clean-energy-plus-hydrogen-and-EVs approach.

What happened to energy infrastructure in Barbuda after Hurricane Irma?

For residents on Barbuda, who lost their energy infrastructure with the landing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, IRENA has built upon the power mix suggested by UAE state-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company in 2018.

Could Irena power Barbuda?

IRENA has instead proposed 2.07 MW of solar and 4.6 MWh of storage to attain almost 95% clean power for the island, and suggested biodiesel could offer a route to 100% renewables. IRENA said its system would see the $0.48/kWh electricity price on Barbuda fall to $0.16.