The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) must urgently pursue economic transformation by embracing clean energy solutions, with a bold objective of attaining “substantial” renewable energy integration by 2030, according to OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules.
Speaking at the just ended third meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers: Energy, the OECS Director General stressed the “fierce urgency of now” in addressing climate change and economic challenges which would position the OECS as a beacon of progress in sustainable development despite global uncertainties.
“While some nations retreat, our island states will lead. While others waver, we will persevere – and innovate,” he said.
Dr Jules underscored the economic urgency driving this transition, noting that “the high cost of imported fossil fuels continues to drain our economies, with electricity tariffs among the highest globally, affecting our competitiveness across all sectors”.
“By transitioning to sustainable energy, the OECS can redirect millions of dollars currently spent on fuel imports into productive investments that create jobs, build industries, and drive economic growth,” he said.
The meeting was expected to consider an OECS roadmap for sustainable energy development, focusing on accelerating policy implementation, investing in human capital, embracing innovation, and strengthening regional integration.
The OECS has been projected as a combined market of over 1.4 million people with strong renewable resource potential, particularly in geothermal and solar energy, and growing energy demand across multiple sectors. Over the next decade, sustainable energy development will be an unquestioned moonshot. Getting there will require collaboration, commitment, and capacity.
OECS energy ministers are expected to reaffirm their commitment to sustainable energy development and set bold but practical targets for renewable energy adoption across 11 Member States. The meeting, convened under the theme Sustainable Energy: Creating Opportunities for Reinventing the Economy of the OECS, comes at a critical juncture in global climate efforts.
There are several ongoing initiatives, including geothermal energy development in Guadeloupe and Dominica, and solar photovoltaic installations across member states.
