European Union Contributes funds to the National Action Plan for Sustainable & Inclusive Development.
ORANJESTAD – As part of the vision of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to achieve the transition to reduce costs and CO2 emissions from government vehicles, Aruba has received support from the European Union.
The first four electric vehicles of the Department of Economic Affairs, Trade, and Industry (DEACI) were recently delivered as part of the pilot program for transition to electric or hybrid vehicles throughout the government.
After conducting a market study with DOW (Public Works Department), they made a detailed inventory of government vehicles and the available options in Aruba. The transition began with leased vehicles at DEZHI, and an agreement was signed with Elmar in April, under which Elmar will ensure the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging points at Sunset Plaza, DEACI's office.
This plan and vision were presented to the GO-Facility (Green Overseas) by Minister of Economic Affairs Geoffrey Wever, with DEZHI and DOW, in their search for technical and financial support and this project implementation. This effort was successful, as the Green Overseas (GO) program and the European Union (EU) approved and opted to finance this initiative.
At the same time, the company Expertise France (EF) will be responsible for implementing this project to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive development of countries/territories outside Europe and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For this, €190,000 has been allocated to implement the transition to electric vehicles for government departments. With this pilot transition program, Aruba demonstrates that this collaboration is an example of how to utilize European Union funds to contribute to territories outside Europe.
The GO-Facility has issued an international public tender focusing on price regulation for the energy market in Aruba at a macroeconomic level. The deadline for submission is September 16, 2024.
By reducing operational costs and CO2 emissions from vehicles in Aruba, we are promoting a better quality of life, protecting nature, and contributing to mitigating climate change. The Government of Aruba has taken an exemplary role in this, which will encourage the private sector and other countries in the region to follow this step.