In his article for Energy Global, the CEO of MPC Energy Solutions, Martin Vogt, explains how decarbonization can help so called SIDS (Small Island Developing States) achieve energy independence.

SIDS face a unique set of challenges, such as being burdened by some of the world’s highest energy costs due to their remote locations. This has contributed to them being among the most indebted countries in the world. Additionally, despite being enriched with renewable energy sources, such as sunlight and wind, SIDS are still heavily reliant on foreign oil and gas imported from exporting nations to meet growing power demands.

During global crises such as those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine, this reliance on fuel imports makes SIDS even more vulnerable to international supply chain disruption, volatility in oil and gas prices and access to reliable supply.

For the Small Island Developing States who struggle to secure universal energy access, decentralised clean energy systems like solar PV combined with Battery storage can prove a crucial ally to communities who live in remote locations without access to energy from a centralised electric power grid.

 A “lighthouse” project for the Caribbean is currently underway in St. Kitts and Nevis. This will become the first operational utility-scale solar PV and battery storage hybrid project in the region. The small nation has an ambitious drive to boost its current 6% from green sources to one-third decarbonization of the island’s energy supply, achieved through a 35.7 MWp solar photovoltaic and 18.2 MW BESS project.

Read full article here (page 20-23) at issuu.com