Minister Nicholas joins regional leaders, global investors and industry executives as the conference examines energy sector growth and investment opportunities under the theme, Leveraging Energy Diversity Across the Caribbean. His participation comes at a pivotal moment for Antigua and Barbuda, which is implementing one of the region’s most comprehensive energy transition programs.

Antigua and Barbuda is advancing large-scale renewable integration – targeting 86% renewable energy by 2030 – and driving electrification through incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), restrictions on older gasoline imports and dedicated EV maintenance training programs. The country has rolled out a series of major infrastructure projects to support this shift, including the hurricane-resistant hybrid solar and battery plant in Barbuda, inaugurated in March 2024 with funding from the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. The project delivers 720 kWp of solar capacity and an 863-kWh battery system designed to supply daytime power and withstand extreme weather, with an additional 2 MW of new renewable capacity planned to meet rising demand.

On Antigua, utility-scale solar remains a central pillar of the energy transition. The government is pursuing 5 MW of new distributed solar PV at Bethesda, building on existing installations such as the 3 MWp solar plant at V.C. Bird International Airport and extensive rooftop systems across government buildings. Longer-term diversification efforts include geothermal exploration, with a MoU signed with Polaris Energy to assess the feasibility of geothermal development as a stable baseload resource.

The transition strategy is reinforced by an expanding EV program. Updated climate commitments include a target for all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. To accelerate adoption, the government has waived duties and environmental levies on EV imports, restricted the import of older gasoline vehicles and introduced EV maintenance training at vocational institutions. These initiatives are supported by an updated regulatory framework: the Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s net-billing policy enables residential and commercial customers to install distributed solar and feed excess power to the national grid.

Collectively, these measures aim to create an investor-ready environment, de-risk green energy projects and expand opportunities for private sector participation as Antigua and Barbuda advances toward its long-term goal of 100% renewable energy in the power and transport sectors.

At CEW 2026, Minister Nicholas will join regional policymakers and industry leaders for strategic discussions shaping the Caribbean’s energy trajectory. His participation will contribute to dialogues on the region’s evolving energy landscape, aligned with conference discussions spanning hydrocarbons, renewables, mining, carbon markets and broader opportunities for investment and collaboration.

“Minister Nicholas’ participation underscores the accelerating momentum behind Caribbean energy integration and the region’s push toward a diversified, resilient future. CEW 2026 is designed to bring government leaders, innovators and investors together to drive actionable progress, and Antigua and Barbuda’s transition experience will be central to that dialogue,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

CEW 2026 will convene government leaders and industry stakeholders from across the region, coinciding with Surname’s emergence as a new offshore oil producer and growing regional interest in integrated energy solutions.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.