The government expects the transition to liquefied natural gas to reduce fuel costs at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority and potentially deliver savings to electricity consumers.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the required dredging work has been completed, clearing the way for LNG operators to begin bringing fuel into Antigua and Barbuda by ship.

“We’re now awaiting the LNG operators to get back together so that they can start to bring in the LNG ships,” Browne said.

He said the switch should reduce APUA’s fuel costs and expressed hope that some of those savings would be passed on to customers.

“That should help to reduce the cost of fuel to APUA,” Browne said. “I’m hoping, too, that they will have the opportunity to pass on some of those cost savings to the consumers.”

The prime minister also said LNG would help reduce the country’s carbon footprint but described it as a transitional fuel rather than a permanent energy solution.

Over the next several years, the government plans to accelerate the move toward renewable energy, including the proposed development of a solar plant capable of generating at least 30 megawatts.

Antigua and Barbuda is holding discussions with a Chinese entity about a solar and battery-storage project while considering proposals from other suppliers.

Browne said the government will seek the most favourable arrangement as it works toward generating about 50% of the country’s energy from renewable sources by 2035.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Government Hopes LNG Transition Will Lower APUA Electricity Costs As Crabbs Dredging Completed.