Energynautics has completed a project that outlines a sustainable energy strategy for NV GEBE, the national utility company of St. Maarten. Commissioned under the National Recovery Program Bureau’s “Emergency Recovery Project 1,” the study provides actionable recommendations to address immediate energy needs and paves the way for a cleaner and more reliable energy future.

The project deliverables include a scenario-based Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) covering 2025–2034. Using techno-economic optimization in PyPSA, the LCPDP identifies cost-effective and technically feasible strategies under various scenarios. Inputs included demand projections, renewable energy options, and stakeholder feedback, while factors such as hurricane resilience and grid adequacy were carefully considered. This methodology equips NV GEBE with quantitative insights to guide investment decisions.

To tackle the current generation deficit, the LCPDP results include installing two 11 MW diesel generators promptly, with a smaller generator added by 2026 to meet rising demand. These measures will stabilize the grid in the short term, ensuring reliable power supply during the transition to renewables.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) emerges as the cornerstone of St. Maarten’s energy future, enabling St Maarten to move from a predominantly diesel-based generation to 23 % RE share by 2034 (in the enhanced PV scenario). Energynautics advocates for the rapid deployment of solar PV systems, starting with tenders for public buildings and carports. By reducing electricity costs, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and loss-of-load expectations, distributed PV strengthens the power system’s reliability. Additional land for PV installations should also be identified to enable RE shares higher than 23% by 2034, and technical standards defined to ensure grid stability as PV penetration grows.

In addition, the project also highlights the potential of wind turbines resilient to at least hurricane category 4 to diversify the energy mix and enhance resilience, as well as the future role of battery storage in supporting grid stability as renewable energy adoption grows.

These steps represent a roadmap for transforming St. Maarten’s energy landscape, aligning short-term stabilization with long-term sustainability goals.

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