Nevis, Naturally

By Khalia Huggins-Simmons, Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador

Paving the way for sustainability

Hi, my name is Khalia Huggins-Simmons, from the beautiful nature isle of Nevis. I am the second Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador from the island.

My work and advocacy in sustainability and climate action stemmed from my engagement with the Caribbean Tourism Organization as the 2022 Youth Junior Minister of Tourism where I represented Nevis.

To date, I have spoken on sustainability, climate resilience and renewable energy through local debates and seminars, quietly guiding my peers into the direction of sustainable practices. I have also engaged in several beach clean-ups, and was also recognized by Ocean Conservancy for my outstanding and dedicated service to the International Coastal Cleanup and commitment to achieving trash- free seas in my early primary school years.

I enjoy learning about sustainability at all levels, not just tourism, and attended the global Sustainable Islands Summit courtesy of my government earlier this year.

Nevis, Naturally

Nevis is a small hidden gem, with 36 square miles of rich culture, countless opportunities for renewable energy and sustainability, and friendly people.

What is Nevis doing to walk in the direction of renewable energy and sustainability?

The twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Paris Climate Agreement.

We have opted to protect our blue economy through continuous beach clean-ups via non-profit organizations such as Island gGirls Rock, Building Our Society through Service (BOSS), and other members of the community, proving that limited resources dodoes not deter our community members from engaging in sustainable practices.

Additionally, the primary and secondary schools across Nevis are challenged to be recycling -warriors through competitions like the National Recycling Competition held by the Nevis Solid Waste Management. Initiatives such as these help youth recognize the importance of recycling, and climate action, helping to shape future leaders at a young age.

The Miss Earth Pageant is another initiative for pPrimary sSchool Sstudents on the island of Nevis. The theme for 2025 was “Our Green Economy and Me,”, encouraging students to express creativity, gain knowledge on how to protect the earth and boost their environmental awareness. Participants engaged in recycling, and other environmentally-friendly activities.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Islands Climate Enhancement (SKNICE) Project’s Nevis Geothermal Energy Project, managed by the Nevis Island Administration has recently received funding from both the federal government as well as the Middle East to delve into the exploration of our geothermal energy sources.

The Nevis Island Administration is at the forefront of this initiative, hoping for the island to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CBD) also approved funding for $17M towards the drilling of production wells on the island. With a geographical location above a tectonic plate boundary, Nevis is in the prime position to access geothermal heat to their advantage.

The first phase is estimated to generate up to 10MW of base load geothermal energy, which is a surplus of the country’s demands. Additional phases are projected to benefit the economy, with plans to export geothermal energy to Anguilla, Antigua and St. Kitts via subsea cables in the years to come.

Nevis is also investing in solar and wind energy, by connecting a solar-powered desalination plant to the water grid.

The Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC), is undergoing plans to implement a 50-megawatt solar farm, upgrade the current dormant Wind Farm (WINWATT), and produce rooftop Solar Photovoltaic installations across government buildings on the island.

Switching to renewable energy is a challenge for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). However, Nevis is priding itself with its advancements thus far, and with the current funding in place, and the expectation of future funding, Nevis remains dedicated to reaching its goals.

This is not just about having lower electricity prices, it is about energy independence, security, job creation, and slowly erasing our carbon footprint to help reduce climate change, one action at a time.