Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his administration wants ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans, not just large corporations to benefit from the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne revealed that government plans to develop a major solar energy project within the next two years while opening investment opportunities to the public.

“Our intention within the next maybe 24 months is to commence in earnest the acquisition of a significant solar plant.”

The Prime Minister said the project is expected to generate between 15 and 20 megawatts of electricity and will mark another major step in Antigua and Barbuda’s clean energy transition.

Unlike previous projects dominated by a handful of investors, Browne said government wants broad public participation.

“We want this to be a shared situation in which we provide an opportunity for Antiguans and Barbudans to invest in energy.”

He said diversifying ownership would ensure more citizens benefit from long-term returns while reducing concentration within the energy sector.

“We want to diversify the ownership rather than having maybe two entities.”

Although existing private companies would still be welcome to participate, Browne said future projects should create wealth across a wider cross-section of society.

“We want to make sure that going forward… it is spread over a broader cross-section of Antiguans and Barbudans.”

The Prime Minister described renewable energy as one of the safest long-term investment opportunities available.

“Energy is one such area that we have to open up and make sure that it’s available to others.”