WILLEMSTAD - The government of Curaçao has formally requested the inclusion of the electric bus project for ABC Bus Company in the financing arrangements of the SDE++ fund from the Netherlands. This fund is specifically aimed at supporting projects that contribute to the production of sustainable energy and the transition to clean energy. 

State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen, who will visit Curaçao on March 21st, admitted in a recent meeting in the Dutch parliament that so far, the Caribbean countries have not been able to access funds from the 'National Growth Fund' and the SDE++ fund due to missing regulations. This news makes the efforts of the Curaçao government to obtain financing for this crucial project even more relevant. 

Six buses 

The project, which involves the integration of six electric buses into the public transport network of ABC Bus Company, is unique because it will operate completely off-grid, with its own electricity production system. This initiative is supported not only locally through collaborations with ABC Bus Company and Refineria di Curaçao (RdK NV), but also internationally through collaboration with the Dutch government, TNO, and bus manufacturer Van Der Leegte Groep (VDL). 

This project seamlessly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global MOU Drive to Zero 2022, aimed at reducing pollution in public transportation. The recently signed collaboration agreement between ABC Bus Company, RdK, and CDL, in which RdK will supply solar energy to the buses, marks a significant step towards the realization of the pilot project.