​Antigua and Barbuda could receive its first shipment of liquefied natural gas before the end of 2026 as the Government moves to reduce electricity-generation costs.

Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas said dredging work required to accommodate LNG vessels has now been completed to an acceptable depth of approximately 6.5 metres.

The minister said Caribbean LNG is putting arrangements in place to transition the power plant at Crabbes from diesel to LNG.

The project had been delayed for approximately two years because the channel needed to be dredged to allow the specialised vessels transporting LNG to reach the terminal.

“We anticipate that before the end of the year, the first LNG fuel ship will arrive at Crabbes,” Nicholas said.

LNG is considered cleaner than the diesel and heavy fuel oil currently used for much of Antigua’s electricity generation.

Nicholas said the transition should result in lower fuel costs and help reduce some of the charges currently affecting customers.

The LNG project will form part of a wider hybrid energy strategy that combines cleaner fossil fuels with solar, wind and battery-storage systems.

Government officials have made clear that fossil fuels cannot be eliminated immediately because electricity must still be supplied at night and during periods when solar and wind generation are insufficient.

The authorities believe that combining LNG with renewable energy will reduce Antigua and Barbuda’s exposure to sudden increases in international oil prices.