Director of the Department of Environment, Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda with the People’s Republic of China on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The agreement will see the provision of 1,500 solar-powered street lights and 200 residential photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) units to Antigua and Barbuda, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China.
This initiative represents a major step in advancing the country’s renewable energy transition and aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and build climate resilience.
The installation of solar street lights will improve public safety and visibility in communities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower electricity costs for local authorities. Additionally, the inclusion of residential PV and ESS systems will allow households to generate and store clean energy, promoting energy independence and ensuring greater stability during power disruptions caused by extreme weather events.
Ambassador Black-Layne noted that the partnership underscores the growing spirit of international cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis and demonstrates China’s continued support for small island developing states (SIDS) in achieving their sustainable development and energy transition goals.
