The Netherlands Allocates €150 Million for Energy Transition in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten
THE HAGUE – The Dutch government is allocating €150 million from the SDE++ (Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition) program to support the energy transition in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.

by Tony Slavin

www.arubarecycling.com
Commitment to Caribbean Energy Transition
The announcement was made by Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans during the Caribbean Climate and Energy Conference, which is taking place this week in Aruba. This funding follows through on a previous commitment by former minister Rob Jetten to open the SDE++ program to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Minister Sophie Hermans
Announced the funding during the Caribbean Climate and Energy Conference in Aruba.
Previous Commitment
Follows through on former minister Rob Jetten's pledge to extend SDE++ to the Caribbean.
Purpose of the Subsidy
The subsidy is specifically aimed at establishing the necessary infrastructure and conditions to professionalize the islands’ energy systems. It is not intended for direct investment in renewable energy production, such as wind farms or solar parks. According to Hermans, there is already sufficient commercial interest for those types of energy projects.
Infrastructure Development
Aimed at establishing necessary infrastructure for energy systems.
Professionalization of Systems
Focuses on creating conditions to professionalize the islands’ energy systems.
Not for Direct Production
Not intended for direct investment in renewable energy production like wind or solar farms.
Funding Allocation by Island
Of the total €150 million, €62.9 million is earmarked for Curaçao, €53.6 million for Aruba, and €33.46 million for Sint Maarten.
€62.9M
Curaçao
€53.6M
Aruba
€33.46M
Sint Maarten
Accelerating Energy Transition
The funding is expected to accelerate the islands’ transition to more resilient and sustainable energy systems, helping them reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and better prepare for future climate challenges.
Accelerate Transition
Speed up the shift to sustainable energy systems.
More Resilient Systems
Build energy systems that can withstand future challenges.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
Lessen reliance on traditional energy sources.
Prepare for Climate Challenges
Enhance readiness for future climate impacts.
Benefits of Sustainable Energy Systems
The transition to more resilient and sustainable energy systems will bring numerous benefits to the islands.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic Stability
Less dependence on imported fuels can lead to more stable energy costs.
Enhanced Energy Security
Local renewable sources provide greater energy independence.
The SDE++ Program
The SDE++ (Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition) program is a key instrument of the Dutch government to stimulate the production of sustainable energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Program Name
SDE++ (Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition)
Objective
Stimulate sustainable energy production and reduce CO2 emissions.
Future Outlook for the Islands
This significant investment marks a crucial step towards a more sustainable and energy-independent future for Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.
Strengthened Energy Systems
The funding will help build robust and modern energy infrastructure.
Reduced Vulnerability
Less reliance on external fossil fuels will make the islands more resilient to global energy market fluctuations.
Paving the Way for Green Growth
Creating conditions for further commercial investment in renewable energy projects.