The Energy Transition in Bonaire

Bonaire’s energy transition is defined by its early commitment to renewable energy integration and its ambition to become a sustainable energy leader within the Dutch Caribbean. The island’s current energy mix includes a combination of imported petroleum products and a growing share of renewable energy, primarily wind and solar. Bonaire’s wind farms and solar installations contribute significantly to local power generation, supported by battery storage systems designed to stabilise the grid and reduce diesel dependency. The government, working alongside WEB Bonaire (Water- en Energiebedrijf Bonaire) and guided by the broader Dutch Caribbean Energy Policy, has set targets to further increase renewable penetration and enhance energy security. There is no critical minerals exploration or production on the island, with full reliance on imported materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for renewable energy technologies. While Bonaire’s geographic isolation poses challenges for infrastructure development, energy storage, and financing, opportunities lie in expanding its renewable capacity, improving grid resilience, and leveraging support from the Netherlands and EU climate initiatives. Bonaire’s steady progress in renewable deployment, combined with strong policy backing and regional cooperation, positions the island as a model for sustainable, low-carbon energy transition in small island contexts.