THE HAGUE – Dutch Members of Parliament Mpanzu Bamenga and Ilana Rooderkerk (both from the D66 party) are seeking clarification regarding the financing status of the renewable energy project on Curaçao, which includes solar parks, electric buses, and charging stations. They have submitted their questions to the Dutch Ministers of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure, as well as the Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations.
The electric bus initiative was a joint project between the governments of Curaçao and the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Curaçao Refinery, TNO, and ABC Busbedrijf. However, the new Dutch government decided last year to halt all projects in the Caribbean region involving TNO and the “Groeifonds” (Growth Fund).
The bad news was delivered by Secretary of State Zsolt Szabó (PVV) during a meeting with the Prime Ministers of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint-Maarten. In their inquiry, the Dutch parliamentarians are focusing on the sustainable economic opportunities for Curaçao and want to understand if the relevant officials are aware of the plans for the solar energy park and charging infrastructure for electric buses.
Furthermore, they are asking if the officials recognize that such a project would help strengthen Curaçao’s economy and create more opportunities for Dutch companies to engage in business on the island.