by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) – A bold step toward renewable energy and sustainable development in St. Kitts and Nevis is underway with the launch of the Solar PV Empowerment Training.
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as the nation actively pursues its Sustainable Island State Agenda, with significant investments anticipated in solar energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Training for a Greener Future
The Solar PV Empowerment Training, a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Education, AVEC, Green Solutions International, and the Elevate Programme, is set to provide 50 individuals from both St. Kitts and Nevis with practical skills in solar installation, electrical safety, and renewable energy systems.
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Naeemah Hazelle, underscored the government’s dedication to this transition.
“As part as the St. Kitts and Nevis government’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, we are so pleased to announce the launch of our Solar PV Empowerment Training, which will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, AVEC, Green Solutions International and the Elevate Programme. This training is open to 50 individuals across both islands. The training will include solar installation, electrical safety, renewable energy systems, and leave our participants with the foundations to enter the green workforce.”
This program aims to equip participants for the emerging green workforce.
Registration for the program, which began on July 7, is open at the Elevate offices on the Bay Road, with training scheduled to commence on July 21, 2025.
The Elevate Programme, officially launched in December 2023, replaced the Alternative Lifestyle Pathway Programme (ALPP) and is designed to positively engage marginalised and at-risk youth and adults.
It focuses on equipping individuals with technical skills and fostering personal and professional development through phases that include training and certification, project contracting, and entrepreneurship.
The inclusion of solar panel production training at a later date was an anticipated addition to the program’s offerings.
The Permanent Secretary, Hazelle, affirmed the government’s commitment to empowering individuals through meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
The program is structured to address existing challenges and create pathways for increased societal inclusion, with a strong emphasis on accountability and growth.
Advancing Sustainable Energy Infrastructure
The training initiative aligns seamlessly with the nation’s broader push towards energy independence and sustainability.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in his national address on July 7, 2025, detailed the transformative projects poised to redefine the energy landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He outlined plans for a significant solar PV and battery energy storage system project in the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park, which is a “cornerstone of our clean energy transition.”
“Once operational by late 2026, this solar farm is expected to supply over 30 per cent of the electricity demand on sinkage, significantly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, lowering energy bills, and shrinking our national carbon footprint. Another transformational project which has advanced steadily is the upgrade of the Needmus power plant, our primary electricity generation site. In collaboration with the Saudi Fund for Development, we have secured U.S. $40 million to install an 18-megawatt dual-fuel generation system. This plant will be able to operate on diesel and natural gas, giving us fuel flexibility while reducing long-term operating costs. The project is currently in the consultant procurement phase, and construction is expected to begin in early 2026. Once completed in early 2027, the new infrastructure will supply nearly 50 per cent of our national energy demand. This is critical not just for homes and schools, but also for our industrial base, our health facilities, and our ability to integrate renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal energies.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that this is a “critical step in providing resiliency at the power plant” as the country transitions to renewable energy.
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Transition
The shift to renewable energy is expected to have a profound economic impact, lowering electricity bills for citizens and making the Federation more attractive to businesses and investors.
The emphasis on green energy is not just for environmental sustainability but also for fostering growth and employment.
As the nation transitions, it will create numerous new jobs in the green energy sector, and the decrease in generation costs will lower operational expenses across various sectors.
St. Kitts and Nevis has affirmed its commitment to achieving energy independence, with a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, a target outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions.
A commitment further solidified by the nation’s recent participation in discussions for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, becoming the 17th nation to join this global effort.
The benefits of this energy transition are multi-faceted.
It is expected to stabilise domestic energy prices, reduce inflation volatility, and foster economic diversification by encouraging energy-intensive industries.
While the initial investment in renewable energy can stimulate economic activity and create a positive demand shock, external concessional finance and models can help alleviate financing constraints.
Ultimately, this comprehensive move towards clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems signifies St. Kitts and Nevis’s dedication to a resilient and sustainable future for all its citizens and residents.
