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    News

    Curated stories and analysis from islands and sustainability leaders worldwide.

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    Showing 9 of 171 news items in Energy & Transport
    Geothermal Energy: A Gamechanger for Nevis and the Caribbean?
    Energy & TransportMarch 18, 2025

    Geothermal Energy: A Gamechanger for Nevis and the Caribbean?

    Excerpt and Photo from natureworldnews.com The small Caribbean island of Nevis is on the verge of an energy revolution that will generate jobs, drive economic growth, and give the island complete energy independence. The Honorable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, together with Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, announced that funding had been secured for the country’s groundbreaking geothermal energy project. On 5th February, at the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States 3rd Council of Ministers, [Premier Brantley confirmed](https://nia.gov.kn/premier-brantley-at-oecs-energy-ministers-meeting-nevis-and-st-kitts-stand-united-for-geothermal-development/) that the geothermal energy project is now firmly fixed on the national agenda. Once the tender bids, which have been sent out, are assessed and a suitable firm is selected, drilling will begin on a project that will transform Nevisians’ lives for the better. The Caribbean faces some of the [highest](https://sknpulse.com/premier-brantley-at-oecs-energy-ministers-meeting-nevis-and-st-kitts-stand-united-for-geothermal-development/) electricity prices globally, and many islands are often plagued by blackouts. Nevis is one of the fortunate few islands that does not have to suffer the impacts of this too often, but it recognizes more needs to be done. Nevis’s leadership wants to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which present environmental and economic constraints on the island’s long-term prosperity. This has propelled a proactive approach to developing an alternative.

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    Maui’s Green Revolution: Electric Buses Steer Island Towards A Sustainable Future
    Energy & TransportMarch 4, 2025

    Maui’s Green Revolution: Electric Buses Steer Island Towards A Sustainable Future

    Excerpt and photo from tumirador.com.ar A wave of change washes over the lush landscapes of Maui as a groundbreaking step towards sustainability unfolds. The nonprofit Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) unveils its newest venture: an electric-powered bus and cutting-edge charging station, poised to redefine transportation on the island. Nestled in the heart of Puunene Baseyard, the scene is vibrant, as community leaders gather under Maui’s sun-drenched skies to witness the dawn of this electrifying journey. The air buzzes with anticipation as Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua, a guardian of tradition, performs a sacred blessing. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and a tapestry of local dignitaries stand grounded in support, their presence a testament to a shared vision. Among them, former state Sen. Gil Keith Agaran and county transportation executives absorb the moment, reminders of unity in addressing environmental challenges. A gleaming centerpiece takes the spotlight: the electric Ford Sunset. With seats for ten, room for three wheelchairs, and a 140-mile reach, it embodies potential. Its modest hum promises quiet efficiency, a far cry from the throaty engines of yore. Charging to full power in 3.5 hours—down from an arduous five-day wait—the bus signals a shift, a sigh of relief for cluttered schedules.

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    Ground investigation supports Orkney Islands’ renewable energy ambition
    Energy & TransportFebruary 12, 2025

    Ground investigation supports Orkney Islands’ renewable energy ambition

    Excerpt and Photo from scottishconstructionnow.com Ground engineering and site investigation company Central Alliance has returned to the Orkney Islands to complete a further ground investigation project to help the islands’ council achieve its renewable energy goals. In 2023–24, Central Alliance carried out ground investigation work on the Orkney mainland (Quanterness) along with the Island of Hoy as part of the Orkney Islands Council’s Orkney Community Wind Farms project. The team has recently completed further ground investigation work on the Island of Faray. Central Alliance director Ben Swallow said this project was required to help inform the design of wind turbine bases and associated wind farm infrastructure. The ground investigation work comprised dynamic sample/rotary cored boreholes, trial pits, groundwater monitoring and laboratory testing. The report that has been compiled for the Orkney Islands Council consists of AGS (Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists – the industry standard) data, which includes the exploratory hole logs, laboratory test data and post-fieldwork groundwater monitoring. Ben said: “The Island of Faray has been uninhabited since the last farmers and crofters left in the 1940s and is of significant archaeological interest, along with being ecologically sensitive and important. With this in mind, the fieldwork component was carefully aligned with tidal conditions to remain sensitive to grey seal (Faray and Holm of Faray are a Special Area of Conservation to support the grey seal breeding colony) and bird breeding patterns.

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    Ministry and RESEMBID Celebrate Cayman Energy Programme
    Energy & TransportFebruary 4, 2025

    Ministry and RESEMBID Celebrate Cayman Energy Programme

    Excerpt and photo from gov.ky The Cayman Islands’ two-year Residential and Public Sector Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme celebrated the successful conclusion of its project on Thursday morning. The event, held at George Town Yacht Club, brought together project staff, homeowners, contractors and civil servants who have participated in the project. Led by the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and Wellness ([MSCRW](https://www.gov.ky/sustainability/)) with support from the RESEMBID Programme, the European Union and Expertise France, the programme was initiated to address multiple challenges facing the community, including high energy costs and the need for sustainable environmental practices. The project tackled energy efficiency and consumption in both residential (National Housing Development Trust homes) and public sector buildings and recorded demonstrable success in both sectors. In 2022, the Ministry was awarded a grant of €1.2m for the Cayman Islands Government Energy Efficiency Programme.

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    Decarbonizing Islands: Insights from the Samsø Catalysation Workshop
    Energy & TransportFebruary 4, 2025

    Decarbonizing Islands: Insights from the Samsø Catalysation Workshop

    Excerpt and Photo from interregnorthsea.eu At the **Samsø Catalysation Workshop**, held at the Samsø Energy Academy, 24 energy experts, policymakers, and local community leaders came together to identify the biggest roadblocks, explore innovative solutions, and build a roadmap for sustainable island energy systems. This event wasn’t just about technical solutions—it was about **collaboration, empowerment, and long-term impact**. With a hands-on approach, participants engaged in discussions, site visits, and solution-building exercises to tackle key energy transition challenges on islands like Samsø and beyond. The workshop kicked off with an exercise to map out the **political, economic, social, technological, and environmental** barriers to island decarbonization. Some of the most pressing issues included: Addressing these barriers requires **a mix of policy change, financial innovation, technological advancement, and local engagement**. The heart of the workshop focused on identifying **actionable solutions** to these challenges. Through group discussions, three core strategies emerged:

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    Solar-Powered Tourism: How Bohol, Philippines’ Renewable Energy Fuels Ecotourism Growth
    Energy & TransportJanuary 29, 2025

    Solar-Powered Tourism: How Bohol, Philippines’ Renewable Energy Fuels Ecotourism Growth

    Photo courtesy of PetroGreen Energy Corporation. Retrieved from digitimes.com Tourism contributed [8.6%](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1094766/philippines-tourism-direct-gross-value-added-share-of-gdp/) to the Philippines’ GDP in 2023, demonstrating its significance to the national economy. According to the 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, [76%](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/04/survey-of-travelers-finds-76-want-more-sustainable-options/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhile%20travel%20may%20be%20back,%2C%E2%80%9D%20Glenn%20Fogel%2C%20CEO%20of) of travelers prioritize eco-friendly options, prompting destinations to adopt greener initiatives. To support this growing trend and encourage sustainable development in the country, the Department of Tourism promotes the [ANAHAW Philippine Sustainable Tourism Certification](http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news_features/green_hotels.aspx), recognizing eco-friendly accommodations that adopt energy-efficient and carbon-reducing practices. Building on these efforts, solar power presents a scalable solution for reducing costs, increasing energy stability, and aligning with global sustainability goals, making it a key investment for eco-conscious tourism. Harnessing Solar Energy to Power Bohol’s Top Destinations Bohol, the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, is harnessing renewable energy to support its booming tourism industry. With a remarkable [313%](https://boholinvest.bohol.gov.ph/2024/03/12/bohol-economy-surges-7-1-due-tourism/) surge in visitors in 2023, the island taps on clean energy solutions to meet growing infrastructure demands. Central to these efforts is the Dagohoy Solar Power Project (DSPP), the island’s first large-scale solar farm.

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    Affordable, Reliable and Modern Clean Energy Services for the Maldives
    Energy & TransportJanuary 29, 2025

    Affordable, Reliable and Modern Clean Energy Services for the Maldives

    Photo: Sarim/UNDP Maldives. Retrieved from undp.org **Clean energy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals** The UN’s Global Roadmap[[1]](https://www.undp.org/maldives/stories/affordable-reliable-and-modern-clean-energy-services-maldives#_ftn1) sets out milestones the world must reach to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To date, more than 70 countries now have net zero targets either enshrined in legislation or outlined as a goal in policy documents[[2]](https://www.undp.org/maldives/stories/affordable-reliable-and-modern-clean-energy-services-maldives#_ftn2),illustrating the real investment and commitment to the energy transition. Maldives in fact revised its target, stating that the country can become net-zero as early as 2030 with international support. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and our partners are stepping in to help, spearheading initiatives aimed at promoting energy transition and fostering sustainability across diverse sectors of the Maldives, beyond investing in power generation and renewable energy installations. **Making the Transport Sector a Decarbonization Priority** The exponential growth of vehicles in capital Male’, exacerbated by urbanization and population increase, has led to a surge in carbon emissions and poor air quality. To address the escalating emissions from the transport sector, UNDP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to promote energy transition, saw the installation of the capital’s first five charging stations for a solar-backed electric vehicle (EV) minibus route in the Greater Male’ Region. The charging stations backed by solar panels signify a paradigm shift in urban transportation, offering cleaner and greener alternatives to conventional vehicles, and marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ journey towards sustainable mobility.

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    How the world’s most remote EV charger is helping an island in the Atlantic ditch fossil fuels
    Energy & TransportJanuary 21, 2025

    How the world’s most remote EV charger is helping an island in the Atlantic ditch fossil fuels

    Photo courtesy of Marc Bow/Timbuktu Content. Retrieved from euronews.com The island of St Helena is hoping that better infrastructure will incentivise more people to move away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. The island of St Helena has installed the world’s most remote public EV charger in its capital Jamestown. The charger on the British Overseas Territory, nearly 2,000km from the west coast of Africa, is part of a trial by Norwegian charging company Easee and Japanese car brand Subaru. With very few electric vehicles on the island so far, the government is hoping that improving infrastructure will incentivise more people to ditch their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. And, as St Helena looks to accelerate its green transition, it’s part of a strategy to wean the island off of expensive fossil fuel imports.

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    ‘We’re an evolving laboratory’: the island on a quest to be self-sufficient in energy
    Energy & TransportDecember 16, 2024

    ‘We’re an evolving laboratory’: the island on a quest to be self-sufficient in energy

    Avertiginous outcrop with more than [500 volcanoes](https://www.elhierro.es/en/geografia), El Hierro, the most westerly of the Canary Islands, is less than 12 miles (20km) wide but features elevation differences of more than 1,500 metres. Swept by strong Atlantic winds and pockmarked with volcanic craters, it has spent the past [decade harnessing its natural features](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/apr/19/canary-island-renewable-energy-lehir) to create clean electricity – with the goal of being the first island to reach self-sufficiency in energy. Now, the island is reaching new milestones. Energy generated by wind and water has enabled its 11,000 inhabitants to be completely self-sufficient in electricity for [10,000 hours](https://x.com/redelectricaree/status/1792513928469045459?s=48&t=MagY808C7lN8as4K8Y7E8g)****since its renewables project was established. About [50% of the island’s annual demand](https://www.goronadelviento.es/informacion-estadistica-y-datos/) is now supplied by renewables. El Hierro is among the only isolated territories in the world to achieve this level of energy self-sufficiency through renewables – shutting off diesel engines and operating without external connection.

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