Today, during the first Caribbean Climate and Energy Conference (CCEC) in Aruba, the Netherlands, Aruba and Sint Maarten agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of renewable energy.
Several organizations, Caribbean islands, and countries from various parts of the world gathered in Aruba to promote cooperation for climate action among these small islands. The issues discussed include the transition to inclusive energy and the funding to make it happen.
The CCEC conference was organised by the Netherlands and Aruba to encourage cooperation on climate action between small islands world-wide. Small islands, like those in the Caribbean Netherlands, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are already experiencing its negative effects.
During the conference, the Netherlands (Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten) signed an MoU with Sint Maarten (Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Silveria Jacobs) and Aruba (Prime Minister of Aruba, Evelyn Wever-Croes).
The collaboration focuses on various renewable energy technologies, such as wind energy, green hydrogen, solar energy, and energy storage. The agreement includes agreements on the exchange of personnel and scientific and technological knowledge and the organization of, for example, joint working groups and research projects.
Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten: “Islands are already on the front line of climate change. If we do not take action, the consequences will become increasingly greater and possibly even irreversible. That is why the cabinet wants to ensure that islands such as Aruba and Sint Maarten do not lag in the transition. That is also climate justice for me.”
Read the closing speach by the Minister here.
Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Silveria Jacobs: “If my previous discussions and lobbying have provided any insight, it is that it is of great importance for Sint Maarten to be part of the conversations when it comes to green energy and sustainable development for our island. With the signing of this MoU, we are ready to take major steps towards sustainability and the long-awaited energy transition that Sint Maarten envisions.”
Prime Minister of Aruba, Evelyn Wever-Croes: “Aruba is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic with a strong and resilient economy. Energy will become an important economic pillar. There are many opportunities for the taking, both for Aruba itself, but especially together in the Kingdom. The signed MoU is an important step in this direction, because if we want to implement changes, then we have to make a joint effort.”
Minister Jetten is currently on a work visit to the Dutch Caribean islands. On 11 May, he spoke with Deputy Thielman on the energy transition on the island Bonaire. The Netherlands is working intensively with Bonaire on the island’s climate and energy transition. With help from the government, thousands of solar panels, batteries and new wind turbines are being realised on the island. A next step is to set up a so called ‘Klimaattafel’ to make the island sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change. On Monday, the Minister will be in Curaçao for the same purpose. Source: Rijksoverheid
