Saint Lucia govt reflects on energy transformation over the years

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Government of Saint Lucia focuses on creating a sustainable future for the nation. It is to be noted that the administration shared the remarkable achievements earned by the nation on its journey to energy independence. 

Notably, the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project, which is being conducted in the island nation, is excited to present a comprehensive “Road to Energy Independence” timeline. The project is being implemented under the theme “Pursuing Energy Independence.”

The administration of Saint Lucia stated that every step taken on this roadmap is a testament to the nation’s unwavering dedication and commitment to providing a sustainable future to its residents.

The transformation over the years in its “Road to Energy Independence”

1951- Geothermal’s Energy Days- Geothermal Investigations begin in Saint Lucia. 

1974-76- First Wells Drilled- 7 shallow wells are drilled at Sulphur Springs by the UK Ministry of Overseas Development. 

1986-87- Second Drilling Attempt- One production-sized well drilled at Belfond and the other at Sulphur Springs. The United Nations Revolving Fund funded the drilling for Natural Resource Exploration, the United States Agency for International Development and the Government of Saint Lucia. 

1999- Making Green Energy Cheaper- The Government of Saint Lucia waived import duties and consumption taxes on renewable energy equipment. 

2001- Changing the Game- Cabinet endorsed a Sustainable Energy Plan. The plan focussed on reducing 35% greenhouse gas emissions by 2010. 

2004- Lightening the Load- An energy-efficient lighting programme reduced the island’s electricity load. 

2005- Upping the Game- A Sustainable Energy Plan was implemented and a green paper on the National Energy Policy was drafted. The plan outlined provisions to increase the use of renewable energy technologies to offset the amount of fuel the country imports to meet its energy needs. 

2010- A New National Energy Policy- Faced several challenges of volatile oil prices and the uncertainty of supplies, the government approved a new national energy policy. 

2012- Setting Targets- Saint Lucia agreed to increase its renewable energy penetration target by 20% by 2020. 

2014- Raising the Bar- The Prime Minister of the nation called for a further increase in the national renewable energy penetration targeted from 20% to 35% by 2020. The Cabinet approved incentives for the importation of electric and hybrid vehicles by reducing import duties to 10% for five years. 

2015- Paris Agreement- Under the agreement, the nation set its National Determined Contributions target for reducing greenhouse emissions at 16% by 2025 and 23% by 2030. 

2016- Potential Geothermal Sites Discovered- A geoscientific study found three areas outside of the Sulphur Springs with potential for further geothermal exploration: Fond St Jacques, Belle Plaine and Saltibus. 

A New Regulatory Framework- The Electric Supply Act was amended, unbuilding electricity generation. It allowed renewable electricity generation from individuals other than LUCELEC. The National Water Commission became the National Utilities Regulatory Commission, which allowed the NURC to regulate the water, sewerage, and electricity sectors.

The NURC became the regulator of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. 

2017- Developing a National Energy Transition Strategy- The National Energy Transition Strategy outlined the future energy mix of new electricity generation. 

2018- The National Energy Transition Strategy- Cabinet endorsed the NETS and outlined a future energy mix of new electricity generation of solar, wind-diesel, battery storage and geothermal if the resource could be secured at a viable rate. 

ESIA released and solar energy farm operationalised- A study from the Geothermal Resource Development Project, which assessed the environmental and social impact of future geothermal development of three potential sites, was released ahead of public consultations.

2019- Transforming the Transport Sector- A fleet transition strategy was completed on behalf of the government, which recommended transitioning 131 Government-owned vehicles to electric vehicles. Cabinet extended the incentives of imported electric and hybrid vehicles for a further five years. Import duties were further reduced to 5%. 

2020- Incentives to promote the use of renewable energy technologies- Cabinet approved 100% waiver of import duties on equipment and components. The components were designed for harnessing and the operation of new renewable sources of energy. 

2021- Saint Lucia published its first Biennial Update Report- The nation published its report on climate change mitigation actions. The NDCs were updated pledging a reduction in greenhouse by 7% relative to 2010 emissions in the energy sector. 

2022- The Renewable Energy Sector Development Project- The parliament approved the project, which was implemented to create within the Energy and Public Utilities division of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport to execute the project. 

2023- An updated National Energy Policy and VAT removal- The policy was updated and approved by the Cabinet. The updated version took a cross-sectoral approach to the nation’s pursuit of energy independence.