WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's transition toward renewable energy will require more than ambitious targets and investments in solar and wind power. Clear legislation, independent regulatory oversight, and predictable investment conditions are essential to ensuring that the country's energy transformation succeeds.
That was the central message delivered by Surinamese energy expert Dave Abeleven during his keynote address at the Curaçao Energy Summit, held on November 3, 2026.
Abeleven, a business economist and energy consultant at Abeleven Consulting, previously served as a director at Suriname's Ministry of Natural Resources and later became the first director of the Energy Authority of Suriname.
Drawing on his professional experience, he emphasized that small island economies face particular challenges when planning their energy futures.
These include exposure to international oil price fluctuations, the consequences of climate change, and the financial demands of modernizing energy infrastructure.
According to Abeleven, locally generated renewable energy offers significant opportunities for countries such as Curaçao to reduce their dependence on imported fuels.
However, he warned that expanding solar and wind generation must be accompanied by investments in electricity networks and energy storage.
Because renewable energy production depends on weather conditions, the electricity system must be capable of managing fluctuations in supply while maintaining reliable service for consumers.
This requires careful planning and coordination between energy producers, infrastructure operators, regulators, and government authorities.
Strong Legal Framework Needed to Attract Investment
Abeleven stressed that a successful energy transition depends heavily on the legal and regulatory environment in which investments are made.
He argued that Curaçao needs long-term energy planning supported by legislation, independent supervision, and consistent regulatory policies.
These conditions are particularly important for attracting the investment required to expand renewable energy generation and modernize existing infrastructure.
According to the energy expert, uncertainty surrounding regulations and future policy decisions can increase investment risks.
When investors face greater uncertainty, financing can become more expensive, potentially raising the overall cost of energy projects.
A clear and predictable regulatory framework can help reduce those risks and improve access to financing.
Abeleven therefore emphasized that government ambitions must be supported by institutions and rules that provide confidence to investors and energy companies.
He described Curaçao as being on the right path but cautioned that successful implementation requires a structured approach extending beyond political commitments.
Energy Transition Must Survive Political Changes
Another important element of Abeleven's presentation concerned the continuity of energy policy.
Major energy investments often require years of preparation and implementation, while their financial and operational consequences can extend over several decades.
For that reason, Abeleven argued that national energy planning should not depend entirely on the priorities of individual governments.
He advocated legally established long-term planning that can provide continuity even when political leadership changes.
Such an approach would help protect investments and ensure that projects remain aligned with national energy objectives.
Abeleven also called for concrete intermediate targets leading toward 2050.
Rather than focusing exclusively on a distant long-term goal, he believes Curaçao should establish measurable milestones that allow policymakers and the public to evaluate progress.
Cooperation and Transparency Essential
The energy expert also emphasized the importance of closer cooperation among companies operating within Curaçao's energy sector.
Electricity generation, fuel supply, infrastructure development, and energy storage are interconnected activities that must be planned together.
Poor coordination could result in investments that do not adequately support one another or fail to meet the country's long-term requirements.
Abeleven therefore encouraged stronger cooperation among energy companies and transparent reporting on the progress of the national strategy.
Regular reporting would allow authorities and stakeholders to identify delays, assess results, and make adjustments when necessary.
He stressed that reliability, affordability, and sustainability must remain central to all decisions.
For Curaçao, this means that the transition toward cleaner energy must not compromise the availability of electricity or place an unsustainable financial burden on households and businesses.
Abeleven's message reinforced the broader objective of the National Energy Strategy initiated by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas: establishing a coordinated framework that can guide the island's energy development through 2050.
The expert concluded that Curaçao has an opportunity to strengthen its energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fuels, provided that its ambitions are supported by sound legislation, independent oversight, investment certainty, and consistent long-term implementation.