WHAT'S ON

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reinforced the Government’s commitment to the promotion of renewable energy solutions by approving the waiver of duties and taxes on the importation of renewable energy and energy efficient components.

The Cabinet decision lists approximately 28 items to which the concessions apply. All solar powered items such as panels, panel racks, water heaters, pumps, hot water storage tanks, cells, panel mounts, batteries and photovoltaic modules form part of this list. Further; charge controllers, surge protectors, lighting protectors, inverters and rectifiers, as well as most wind and hydro turbine accessories are covered by the decision.

This most recent Cabinet decision follows on the heels of an earlier decision by the Cabinet to grant duty free concessions for the importation of components required to install Solar Photovoltaic systems at two major locations on the island.  The primary location - the Shirley Heights look-out - was endorsed by the National Parks Authority for the PV system as well as a solar street lighting project. PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd. has provided grant funding for the procurement and installation of the street lights. Meanwhile funding for the PV system at Shirley Heights Lookout was secured under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) administered by the Organization of American States.

The location for the second PV system will be announced after further consultation with relevant stakeholder groups.

In yet another tangible sign of its firm commitment to the transition to the more sustainable use of energy in Antigua and Barbuda, Cabinet agreed to grant duty free concessions to a local entrepreneur for the importation of an electric car for personal use on condition that he provides data to the Energy Desk on the vehicle’s energy consumption and any associated savings.
Head of the Energy desk, Ambassador Joan Underwood sites these latest developments as major milestones and encourages citizens and residents to capitalize on the opportunity to acquire energy efficient and renewable energy solutions at more affordable rates in the wake of the concessions being implemented by the Government.