OECS Decade of Action: Transforming the Caribbean through Sustainable Energy
Key Ideas
- OECS adopts the Basseterre Declaration for Sustainable Energy Development 2025-2035, aiming for universal access to clean energy solutions and reduced energy costs.
- The initiative focuses on job creation in renewable energy services, energy efficiency, e-mobility, and green building sectors, enhancing economic growth.
- Efforts to increase renewable energy capacity through solar, wind, geothermal, and green hydrogen projects aim to enhance resilience and decrease dependency on imported fossil fuels.
- Collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and communities is crucial for the success of the initiative, with a focus on knowledge sharing and investment.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has announced the adoption of the Basseterre Declaration at the Third Council of Ministers: Energy meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This landmark declaration establishes the OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development 2025-2035, with a commitment to achieving universal access to affordable, resilient, and reliable clean energy solutions across all Member States. The initiative aims to lower energy costs, create new job opportunities, enhance resilience, and stimulate economic growth by transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
The focus areas include renewable energy generation through solar, wind, geothermal, and green hydrogen projects tailored to regional needs. The success of the initiative hinges on collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and communities. The ministers have called upon regional and international partners, private sector entities, financial institutions, and academic organizations to support this transformative agenda.
The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also emphasizes the socio-economic benefits of enhancing resilience and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels. By redirecting funds towards local investments, the plan aims to boost economic development across various sectors. The declaration marks a pivotal moment as renewable energy is expected to become the world's leading source of electricity generation.
Overall, the Basseterre Declaration signals a significant step towards a cleaner and economically sustainable future for the OECS region, with a clear focus on driving development through sustainable energy initiatives and fostering collaboration for long-term success.