Overview
Sint Eustatius is a 4.1 MW solar PV facility located on the island of Sint Eustatius in the Caribbean Netherlands. It is operational and contributes to the island's renewable energy capacity.
Sint Eustatius is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located on the island of Sint Eustatius, a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. With a capacity of 4.1 MW, it represents a significant renewable energy installation for the island, supporting local energy needs and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. The facility operates under the Dutch regulatory framework, which includes national targets for renewable energy and support mechanisms such as the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production (SDE++) scheme. As a solar PV plant, it converts sunlight directly into electricity, with typical capacity factors in the Caribbean region ranging from 15-25%. The 4.1 MW scale places it as a medium-sized installation for a small island context. Sint Eustatius plays a key role in the island's energy transition, contributing to grid stability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The facility supports local communities by providing clean electricity and aligns with the Netherlands' broader renewable energy goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which targets 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.
Environmental context
The island of Sint Eustatius has a tropical climate with abundant solar radiation, making solar PV a suitable technology. The facility's location on a small island minimizes land-use conflicts, though careful siting is needed to avoid impacts on local ecosystems. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions and low water use, contributing positively to the island's environmental sustainability.
Frequently asked questions
The Sint Eustatius solar PV facility is located on the island of Sint Eustatius, a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea.
The Sint Eustatius solar plant has a capacity of 4.1 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar installation for the island.
The facility uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity.
The facility operates under the Dutch SDE++ subsidy scheme and contributes to the Netherlands' national renewable energy targets, aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive's 42.5% goal by 2030.
The plant generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on imported fossil fuels. Solar PV has minimal water use and low operational emissions, supporting local environmental sustainability.