WILLEMSTAD – The Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) has outlined the development process for the country's new National Energy Strategy, including research, stakeholder consultations, and an implementation framework designed to guide energy policy through 2050.
RAC Chief Executive Officer Curt Belfor presented the proposed approach during the Curaçao Energy Summit, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas on November 3, 2026.
The initiative seeks to translate Curaçao's long-term energy ambitions into a structured national strategy with clearly defined responsibilities, implementation timelines, and measurable objectives.
According to Belfor, the strategy will build on the energy policy introduced in 2018 while expanding its scope to include electricity, fuels, and logistical infrastructure within a single integrated framework.
The objective is to create a coordinated approach that allows government institutions, energy companies, and other stakeholders to make decisions based on common national priorities.
Belfor explained that the National Energy Strategy will consist of several interconnected elements.
A long-term energy vision through 2050 will establish the country's overall direction, while a framework for a feasible and equitable energy transition will help determine how the objectives can be achieved.
A concrete implementation plan will identify the measures needed to translate the strategy into action.
An additional document covering decision-making and monitoring will provide insight into the choices made, the progress achieved, and any adjustments required during implementation.
Belfor emphasized that improving the well-being of Curaçao's population remains the ultimate objective.
He also acknowledged that the strategy must remain flexible enough to respond to changing circumstances, technological developments, and new information.
Preparations Begin in November and December
The first phase of the initiative will take place during November and December 2026.
This initial stage will focus on gathering information, identifying relevant stakeholders, and preparing the groundwork for further research.
During 2027, the process will move into more detailed studies, scenario analyses, and the development of draft proposals.
These studies are intended to examine different possible directions for Curaçao's energy future and assess their implications for reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
The process will also include two formal consultation rounds involving representatives of government, energy companies, energy producers, consumers, investors, and the wider community.
According to RAC, the input received during these consultations will be incorporated transparently into the development of the strategy.
The consultations are intended to ensure that decisions are informed by the needs and perspectives of those who produce, distribute, regulate, finance, and consume energy.
Implementation Plan to Establish Responsibilities and Deadlines
A key element of the initiative will be the preparation of an implementation plan that clearly identifies responsibilities, deadlines, and intermediate targets.
This approach is intended to prevent the National Energy Strategy from remaining merely a policy document without concrete follow-up.
The implementation framework will also be supported by a monitoring mechanism to track progress and identify areas requiring adjustments.
By establishing measurable objectives, the authorities aim to make it possible to evaluate whether the energy transition is advancing according to the agreed schedule.
The monitoring process should also provide greater transparency regarding decisions and the progress of implementation.
Results to Be Discussed at End of 2027
The development process is expected to reach an important milestone toward the end of 2027.
At that stage, the participating stakeholders will be brought together again to review the results and prepare the formal decision-making process.
The outcome is expected to provide Curaçao with a comprehensive national framework for managing its energy development through 2050.
Although the strategy will establish a long-term direction, RAC has emphasized that implementation must remain responsive to changing conditions and new insights.
The initiative represents an effort to move from separate energy policies and investment decisions toward a coordinated national approach supported by consultation, planning, and measurable results.