THE HAGUE – Curaçao's transition to renewable energy will depend as much on strengthening its electricity infrastructure as on building new solar and wind projects, according to energy expert Roban van Herk.
Addressing parliamentarians during the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) in The Hague, Van Herk said investments in electricity grids, battery storage systems and backup generation capacity should be prioritized to ensure a reliable energy supply.
According to the TNO researcher, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are already becoming increasingly competitive in Curaçao and other Caribbean islands. However, because these energy sources depend on weather conditions, they require supporting infrastructure capable of balancing fluctuations in electricity production.
“The sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow,” Van Herk explained. “That means islands need batteries, backup capacity and modern electricity networks that can manage changes in supply and demand.”
The recommendations closely align with a decision by the Dutch government to make €150 million available for the energy transition in Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. Announced during the Caribbean Climate and Energy Conference in Curaçao in 2025, the funding is intended to strengthen the foundations of the energy transition rather than directly subsidize renewable energy projects.
The funding can be used to improve electricity grids, battery storage systems, regulatory frameworks and technical capacity needed to support a modern energy system.
Van Herk argued that renewable energy projects are increasingly able to attract commercial investment on their own. The greater challenge, he said, lies in financing the infrastructure needed to distribute and store renewable electricity reliably.
Without these investments, countries may struggle to integrate larger amounts of renewable energy into their electricity systems, potentially limiting the benefits of future solar and wind developments.
The expert emphasized that stronger infrastructure would not only improve energy security but also support economic growth by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering vulnerability to international energy price fluctuations.
His remarks come as Curaçao continues to pursue major energy projects, including battery storage initiatives, wind energy expansion and investments in new electricity generation capacity aimed at strengthening the island's power supply.