The partnership will focus on renewable energy investments for sporting-facilities that will benefit community health and well-being.
WILLEMSTAD - On Thursday, December 17, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Government of Curaçao, Fundashon Desaroyo Deportivo Kòrsou (FDDK), and the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create replicable and scalable projects at sporting facilities that use solar photovoltaic (PV) and include energy-efficient measures.
The model for these projects outlined in the MOU aims to:
- Decrease electricity costs for the sporting facilities;
- Create a multi-functional space that develops and intertwines sports, culture, education, and sustainability; and,
- Design and establish a financial and ownership arrangement to use the savings from the solar PV and energy efficiency measures to reinvest into sporting-related programs.
The Government of Curaçao, FDDK, and CCI thus aim to develop a clean energy future for Curaçao and improve the well-being of local communities by encouraging energy investments that provide consistent revenue for community health and sporting-related investments. This MOU represents the first step towards that goal. By designing and implementing projects at sporting facilities in Curaçao, the partners additionally seek to develop a replicable and scalable model that will help transition other island nations from fossil-fuel based to low-carbon options.
The Government of Curaçao is committed to promoting a low-carbon economy with a new National Energy Policy that states Curaçao will increase its renewable energy penetration to 50% by 2030, reduce energy consumption by 25 percent by 2040, and realize transparent and effective institutions and regulations for the sector by 2030. The Honorable Steven Croes, minister of education, science, culture, and sport, said, "This project represents an investment in our future and our children. Identifying ways to support health and well-being through clean-energy solutions at sporting facilities lays a firm foundation for the leaders of tomorrow to follow their dreams and reach their full potential."
FDDK functions as a central coordinating body for strengthening, activating, and encouraging sports organizations in Curaçao. Vergilly Winklar, managing director, said, "FDDK is responsible for the implementation of the local sports policy by creating, among others, low-threshold accessible sport facilities for citizens of all levels in our community. FDDK is adamant in working together with the government to create environments where sport and exercise can be practiced in evening and night hours."
CCI works with governments and utilities in 14 geographic locations across the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean to help them harness renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, open up markets to clean energy, and access new financing. Kevin Thurm, CEO of the Clinton Foundation, said, "As we continue to see the impact of climate change around the world, I am inspired by our work with partners such as Curaçao and FDDK. This project seeks to provide a model not only for scalable renewable energy but also for environmental justice and inclusion."
The projects are planned to be located at Sala di Deporte Multifunshonal Barber and Stadion Odulio Willems Suffisant. These locations have been identified for their potential to create investments in the local communities, including after-school programs and health and wellness activities. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, clean air, outdoor exercise, and public health are three priority areas in which the Government, FDDK, and CCI can work together in the present and the future.
This work is made possible by the players of the Nationale Postcode Loterij in the Netherlands and the People's Postcode Lottery in the United Kingdom.