THE BOTTOM, Saba – A report prepared by the advisors of Amsterdam Bureau of Economics, Strong Foundations for Sustainable Growth, identifies energy policy as a central component of Saba’s future development, calling for a stronger focus on reliability, cost and resilience.
The findings reflect a broader challenge for small island economies, where energy systems are often highly dependent on imported fuel and vulnerable to external shocks.
According to the report, energy costs and reliability affect nearly every sector on the island, including households, public services, tourism and business activity. This places energy policy at the centre of economic performance rather than as a supporting function.
The report emphasises that the transition to more sustainable energy systems should be approached as a practical and integrated process. Rather than treating renewable energy as a stand-alone objective, it highlights the need to align energy policy with building standards, infrastructure planning and public investment.
Energy is also directly linked to disaster preparedness. In an island context, disruptions to energy supply can quickly affect the wider economy, reinforcing the importance of resilient and well-managed utility systems.
From infrastructure to strategy
For Saba, the report signals a shift in how energy should be viewed, from background infrastructure to a strategic pillar of development. In a setting defined by limited scale and external dependence, the design and reliability of energy systems play a key role in supporting stability and long-term growth.
The report concludes that strengthening energy policy will be essential if the island is to build a more resilient and sustainable economic future.
