Antigua and Barbuda is among several Caribbean nations being urged to harness abundant natural resources — including solar, wind, and geothermal energy — as the region accelerates a shift away from costly fossil fuel dependence.
According to Antigua.news, Ingrid Lavine, Climate and Renewable Energy Adviser with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, says the Caribbean holds vast untapped potential to generate more clean energy than it consumes, with the possibility of exporting surplus power or converting it into fuels such as green hydrogen and ammonia.
Despite that potential, the region remains heavily reliant on oil. Across CARICOM, approximately 87 percent of electricity generation is still oil-based, driving some of the highest energy costs in the world. Caribbean households typically pay two to three times more for electricity than consumers in larger economies.
The UK has been an active partner in supporting the region's energy transition. Since 2015, it has invested approximately US$39 million in renewable energy projects across the Eastern Caribbean, spanning solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, and geothermal development.
While Antigua and Barbuda has made progress in expanding solar capacity, experts say more aggressive action will be required for the country to fully capitalise on regional initiatives now being rolled out.
A significant regional milestone is expected later this month when Dominica commissions the first geothermal power plant in the English-speaking Caribbean — a UK-supported project years in the making. Similar developments are being explored in Grenada and St. Lucia.
Overall regional progress has been slow. CARICOM set a target of 47 percent renewable electricity generation by 2027, but as of 2023, only about 13 percent has been achieved.
Experts cite several obstacles facing small island states like Antigua and Barbuda, including limited grid capacity, high upfront investment costs, and fragmented energy markets that complicate large-scale project financing.
Opportunities are nonetheless emerging. Proposed solutions include regional collaboration on energy procurement, modernisation of electricity grids, and reforms designed to attract private investment. Expanded technical training is also considered critical to sustaining long-term gains.
The UK has additionally committed to supporting a new regional action plan under the Global Clean Power Alliance covering 2026 to 2028. The initiative aims to provide technical expertise and mobilise private sector investment to speed clean energy adoption across the Caribbean.
For Antigua and Barbuda, a successful transition to renewable energy could translate into lower electricity bills, stronger energy security, and greater resilience against volatile global oil prices.
With pressure growing to cut costs and meet climate commitments, officials warn the window for decisive action is narrowing — though the opportunity, they say, remains within reach.
