Launch of the GO ETC workshop in Statia: accelerating the integration of renewable energies into island networks

The Green Overseas Program launched this week at Statia (St. Eustatius) a new Energy Transition Community of Practice (GO ETC) workshop, dedicated to grid-scale renewable energy generation and integration.
The event brings together 36 representatives from 13 OCTs and TOs, to discuss solutions for accelerating the energy transition in island territories.
The workshop was opened by Nicolas Andrade and Lina Tode (GO Program), followed by an institutional message from Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and experience sharing to achieve ambitious sustainability goals.
The day continued with a intervention by Fred Cuvalay, Director of STUCO, who reviewed the evolution of Statia's power system and the development of its photovoltaic-battery hybrid power plant, now considered a benchmark in the region.
The participants then shared their energy challenges and opportunities, highlighting common issues such as land availability, financial constraints, as well as the potential of offshore energy or private initiatives.
Technical sessions explored:
- the renewable technologies deployed or emerging today (solar, onshore wind, floating wind, floating PV, agrivoltaics, wave energy);
- the impacts of the variability of renewable sources on the electric mix;
- the key role of battery storage systems in limiting energy losses (curtailment) and improving grid stability.
The discussions emphasized that there is no single solution: each island must define its energy mix according to its realities, constraints and ambitions.

This workshop will continue over the next few days, including a site visit to the STUCO hybrid power plant, a high point of inspiration and feedback for participants.