Masdar has launched a hybrid solar power station on Antigua and Barbuda, funded by the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF).
The project, with an investment of $50 million, represents a collaborative effort between the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Masdar, aiming to deploy renewable energy projects across 16 Caribbean nations to reduce energy costs, enhance energy access, and bolster climate resilience.
The power plant is engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds, a crucial feature following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which displaced Barbuda’s entire population.
Masdar’s plant is designed to endure winds of up to 265 km per hour and ensure a reliable, sustainable power supply for the island.
The project aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s goal to source 86 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The Green Barbuda project, inaugurated by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, signifies a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Masdar spearheaded the project, fully financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, with additional contributions from New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda, and the CARICOM Development Fund.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, praised the project’s transformative impact, stressing its ability to fast-track energy transformation in Antigua and Barbuda.
Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Development Affairs, commended the UAE’s commitment to global climate initiatives and its role in fostering sustainable development.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support, highlighting the project’s contribution to reducing reliance on imported petroleum fuels and addressing climate change impacts.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, underscored the project’s significance in delivering clean energy, driving economic growth, and empowering local communities.
The power plant integrates hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and battery systems, enabling Barbuda to meet its daytime energy needs while reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions.
The UAE-CREF initiative aims to replicate such projects across the Caribbean, building climate resilience and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Masdar, with a global portfolio exceeding 20GW, said it remains committed to advancing renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies.
