Toward 100% sustainable energy production and a structural decrease in energy demand: Curacao, as a case study of small island developing states

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The exploitation of fossil fuels is generally considered to be the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, fossil fuels are also considered as a finite source of energy. Electricity production in Small Island Development States (SIDS) remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. In 2009, 98% of the electricity supplied in the Caribbean SIDS was produced from fossil fuels. The island of Curacao can be considered as unusual among SIDS in that it already uses significant renewable energy sources. In contrast to most countries in the world, approximately 34% of the current electricity production in Curacao is generated by wind and solar energy. A specific task for the electricity production company in Curacao will be to replace more than half of its current non-renewable energy plants in the coming decade as they come to the end of their useful life. This necessary replacement can be seen as an opportunity to investigate the possibilities to further increase the renewable energy contribution on the island of Curacao. This would lead to greater self-sufficiency and a substantial decrease in imported fossil fuels. The aim of this PhD research has been to create a better understanding of the possibilities for SIDS in general, and Curacao in particular, to realize a significant sustainable energy production and also a structural decrease in energy demand. Consequently, the main research question set and answered in this PhD thesis is: How to improve energy efficiency in Curacao and realize a 100% renewable energy production system for Curacao? Implementation of the findings and suggested approaches included in this PhD thesis will change Curacao, by 2033, into an island whose electricity plants are based on a fully sustainable energy production system. In addition, implementing the proposed roadmap to achieve a sustainable energy production system in Curacao will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 92%.