FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities Launches SOLARISE and DRIVE Initiatives to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition
Basseterre, Saint Kitts — The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities is proud to announce the official launch of the SOLARISE and DRIVE initiatives—two transformative national programmes designed to accelerate the Federation’s transition to a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.
The launch event was held at the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CUNA) in Fortlands on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., and brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society.
Spearheaded by the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Energy, these initiatives represent a significant milestone in advancing Saint Kitts and Nevis’ national energy policy and its commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels while expanding access to clean, affordable energy.
The SOLARISE (Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy) programme introduces a comprehensive framework to support the widespread adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across households and businesses. Through new regulations and incentives, the programme enables individuals to generate renewable energy and feed excess electricity back into the national grid under a net billing structure. This marks the first time a formalized system for distributed renewable energy integration has been implemented in the Federation, with a target of achieving up to five megawatts of distributed solar capacity.
The SOLARISE programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities and the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC), reflecting a unified national approach to expanding renewable energy adoption and strengthening grid integration.
To support the rollout of SOLARISE, a dedicated online platform has been launched to streamline applications and participation. Interested individuals and businesses can access the portal at solarise.gov.kn, where they can submit applications and obtain detailed programme information.
Complementing this effort is DRIVE (Decarbonised Roadway Initiative for Vehicle Electrification), a forward-looking policy and action plan aimed at increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide. The initiative establishes a clear roadmap for EV integration, including the development of charging infrastructure across key locations. It is supported by incentives, including the lowering of import duty from 45% to 10% on fully electric vehicles up to 4 years old. The new duty comes into effect on May 1, 2026. Together, these measures are designed to align the nation’s transportation, energy, and climate goals under a unified strategy.
Both initiatives build on extensive stakeholder consultations and policy development led by the Ministry’s Energy Unit, ensuring that implementation reflects both international best practices and local realities. They also support broader national objectives, including energy security and the achievement of climate commitments.
Minister Maynard emphasized that the launch of SOLARISE and DRIVE signals a new era of innovation and sustainability for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“The initiatives launched today are practical measures that directly impact households, businesses, and the wider economy. They create opportunities for investment, support the growth of new technical industries, encourage innovation, and strengthen the Federation’s ability to manage future energy and transportation challenges.”
– Hon. Konris Maynard
The Ministry encourages all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to engage with the programmes and take advantage of the opportunities presented. Additional details on participation, incentives, and application processes will be made available through ongoing public education and outreach campaigns.
The launch of SOLARISE and DRIVE reinforces the Government’s commitment to building a modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible energy sector—one that delivers reliable and sustainable services to all citizens while positioning Saint Kitts and Nevis as a regional leader in clean energy innovation.
For more information, visit mopieudt.gov.kn/solarise-and-drive, energyunit.gov.kn and solarise.gov.kn or contact the Energy Unit.
