The Energy Transition in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are pursuing an energy transition shaped by the need to reduce fossil fuel dependency, enhance energy security, and improve climate resilience. The territory’s energy mix remains dominated by imported diesel, but government policies, including the British Virgin Islands National Energy Transition Policy (2016–2025), outline targets for renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and grid modernisation. Solar PV is at the centre of renewable initiatives, with small-scale installations across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, alongside plans for utility-scale solar development and battery storage. The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has taken steps to improve grid stability and enable renewable connections, supported by technical assistance from regional organisations such as CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). There is no domestic production of critical minerals, with full reliance on imports for key materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements essential for renewable technologies. Core challenges include hurricane exposure, limited land availability for large-scale projects, and financing gaps. However, opportunities exist in distributed renewables, climate finance access, and leveraging UK support through overseas territory frameworks. The BVI’s commitment to energy diversification, backed by clear policy direction and regional cooperation, provides a pathway toward greater sustainability, resilience, and energy independence.