Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has announced that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved zero customs duty for renewable energy and energy efficient products beginning September 1.

Honourable Rymer stated that this will be done as the Government of the Virgin Islands has set an ambitious goal of having sixty percent (60%) of the energy used in the Territory to be generated by renewable energy sources.

Honourable Rymer said, “You may recall the duty-free concession on renewable energy items introduced in 2021 and the strong public interest it generated. Building on that success, Cabinet has approved an expanded concession: for five (5) years, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2030, a zero-customs duty rate will apply to all renewable energy and energy-efficient products imported into the Territory.”

The products include, but are not limited to:

- Solar panels, solar water heaters, and solar lighting  

- Solar air conditioners and solar appliances  

- Technologies harnessing wind power  

- Electric vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure  

- LED light fixtures and LED light bulbs”

Honourable Rymer also stated that this initiative builds on the Solar Technology Energy Programme (STEP), and is encouraging all residents in the Territory to take advantage of the opportunity while assisting the Government to reach its national sustainable development goals. 

The minister said, “The sun blesses us freely every day - an abundant gift of energy waiting to be harnessed. Together, let us transform this free, endless resource into the power that drives our homes, our businesses, and our future. By embracing it, we can make the Virgin Islands a shining regional model of sustainability - an eco-friendly place to live, work, and thrive.”

The full statement can be viewed in its entirety on the Government’s website at www.bvi.gov.vg or on the Government’s Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Photo 1: Official photo of Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer

Photo Credit: (GIS)