Netherlands Invests 150 Million Euros in Caribbean Energy Transition
The Netherlands is investing 150 million euros
to support the energy transition in Aruba, Curaçao,
and Sint Maarten. Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans announced the funding during the Caribbean Climate
and
Energy Conference in Curaçao,
where delegations from across the region are gathering to address climate adaptation and sustainable energy.
The funds, drawn from the Dutch SDE++ subsidy program
(Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition),
will not fund wind farms or solar panels.
Instead, they will strengthen the foundation of the energy transition.
Hermans emphasized that commercial interest already exists for renewable energy production.
Therefore, the Netherlands will focus on building a robust electricity grid,
creating clear regulatory frameworks, increasing technical expertise,
and enhancing administrative decisiveness.
Importantly, the second edition of the climate conference in
Willemstad aims to define concrete steps toward a regional climate agenda for small island states.
As host country,
Curaçao highlights the event’s critical role in fostering cooperation and sharing knowledge.
Urgency and Vision for the Future
Albert Martis, head of the Meteorological Service and chair of the Climate Platform Curaçao,
stresses the urgency of action. “On the islands,
climate change isn’t a distant concern—it’s a daily threat,” he says.
Consequently, stakeholders are developing a climate roadmap to guide decisions around energy, water,
and food security. While nearly half of Curaçao’s electricity already comes from
sustainable sources and local agriculture and water purification initiatives are expanding,
Martis asserts that additional resources and partnerships remain essential.
“Planning alone isn’t enough. Without funding, execution is impossible,”
Martis explains.
As a result, the Netherlands’ support matters not only financially but also in terms of content.
Hermans agrees and points to the collaboration needed from various parties—
including TNO’s technological expertise,
investor confidence, and involvement from local energy providers like Aqualectra.
“The energy transition involves more than installing turbines;
it means building a sustainable system for future generations,” she says.
Ecosystem at Risk
Meanwhile, marine biologist Mark Vermeij warns of an accelerating ecological crisis.
He observes that Curaçao’s coral reefs are deteriorating due to rising sea temperatures.
“It’s no longer a seasonal issue—it’s now a permanent one,”
Vermeij explains.
When ocean temperatures exceed 29°C, the algae living in coral die,
causing the reef structure to weaken or vanish.
This affects not only marine biodiversity but also the tourism industry.
Although tourists still see vibrant coral, Vermeij cautions that the beauty is deceptive.
“Even unhealthy reefs can appear colorful to the untrained eye,” he says.
However, the real danger lies in the loss of beaches. “Coral reefs act as sand factories.
Without them, we lose our beaches—and our tourists.”
Netherlands invest 150 Beyond Renewable Energy
To protect the marine ecosystem, islands must do more than generate green electricity.
Vermeij underscores the need to address local stressors such as pollution,
overfishing, and untreated sewage.
“Reefs are resilient, but they can’t survive ten simultaneous threats,” he states.
As the conference concludes, attendees will draft a joint statement and formulate
https://sxmnews.ai/latest-sxm-news-ricardo-york-st-maarten/
recommendations for the upcoming United Nations climate summit.
Martis insists that the Caribbean’s voice must be heard.
“We may be small,” he says, “but we’re on the front line.
Netherlands Invests Million
So moreover thus therefore
So moreover thus therefore
Netherlands Invests 150 so thus therefore