BELÉM, Brazil (CMC) – Antigua and Barbuda has signed an agreement with China for the provision of 1,500 solar-powered street lights and 200 residential photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) units.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) taking place here.

The director of the Department of Environment, Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, signed the  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China.

A government statement said  that this initiative represents a major step in advancing the country’s renewable energy transition and aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and build climate resilience.

It said  that the installation of solar street lights will improve public safety and visibility in communities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower electricity costs for local authorities.

Additionally, the inclusion of residential PV and ESS systems will allow households to generate and store clean energy, promoting energy independence and ensuring greater stability during power disruptions caused by extreme weather events.

Ambassador Black-Layne said  that the partnership underscores the growing spirit of international cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis and demonstrates China’s continued support for small island developing states (SIDS) in achieving their sustainable development and energy transition goals.