The Energy Transition in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ energy transition is driven by its strategic focus on reducing fossil fuel dependence, improving energy security, and building climate resilience across its multi-island geography. The nation’s current energy mix remains heavily reliant on imported diesel, but renewable energy development—particularly hydropower, solar PV, and emerging geothermal potential, forms a central part of national energy planning. The National Energy Policy and the Sustainable Energy Action Plan, along with commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outline targets to scale renewable integration and promote energy efficiency. Hydropower has long contributed to the country’s energy mix, and the Geothermal Development Project at La Soufrière remains a key initiative aimed at providing stable, renewable baseload power. There is no domestic production of critical minerals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with full reliance on imports for essential materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements required for renewable technologies and storage systems. Core challenges include hurricane exposure, financing constraints, limited grid flexibility, and small market size. However, opportunities lie in geothermal development, distributed solar and storage solutions, and regional collaboration through CARICOM and the OECS. The country’s geothermal potential, policy ambition, and regional engagement provide a strong foundation to advance its clean energy transition and support long-term energy resilience and sustainability.