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. 

Photo: Prime Minister (SXM) Mercelina, Minister Hermans, Prime Minister Pisas (CUR) and Prime Minister Eman (AUA)

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. 

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. 

Of the total €150 million, €62.9 million is earmarked for Curaçao, €53.6 million for Aruba, and €33.46 million for Sint Maarten. 

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.