St. Helena, 1,930 kilometers off Namibia’s coast, now has the world’s most remote EV charging point. With just four electric cars, the island is working to expand its fleet and reduce fossil fuel reliance through sustainable energy.
Transition to Renewable Energy
St. Helena’s journey toward a greener future begins with the installation of the world’s most remote electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Situated 1,930 kilometers off Namibia’s coast, this small island, home to fewer than 5,000 residents, is taking bold steps to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. While there are currently only four electric vehicles on the island, local authorities aim to expand the fleet as part of a broader initiative to adopt sustainable energy solutions.
Tara Wortley, a resident of St. Helena, shares her observations on the shift toward renewable energy. "People's attitudes on the island towards the environment are changing," she says. "It’s been a long time where we've all just been really reliant on diesel and petrol, but since the government invested in wind turbines and solar panels to help contribute towards our electricity generation, it’s helped to open up people's minds in terms of what is available." Despite some skepticism, Wortley believes the recent investments are laying the foundation for a cleaner future.
Ideal Conditions for Renewable Energy
The local government is committed to renewable energy, with plans to increase solar and wind power from 25% to 80% by 2029. Minister Mark Brooks, responsible for the island’s economic development, highlights the ideal conditions for renewable energy: "Where we are placed, just below the equator, we have about 12 hours of sunlight a day almost all year round, and because we are a small island in the middle of the ocean, there’s always a wind blowing through," he explains. "We do have really ideal conditions for solar and wind energy."
This commitment to sustainability aligns with the installation of the new EV charging point, a partnership between Easee and Subaru. Derek Pedley, a local business owner, is also contributing to the island’s green transition by adding electric vehicles to his rental fleet. "I am looking to bring the electrical vehicles to the islands in the first quarter of 2025," Pedley shares. "We’re looking to bring in four in the first quarter and trial them to see if there is demand." Pedley is also planning to install charging points in key locations, including the airport and town center, to make EVs more accessible.
Barriers and Opportunities
Despite growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles, the high cost remains a challenge for many islanders. With the average wage under 10,700 euros, EVs are currently a luxury for most residents. However, the introduction of tax incentives aims to make EVs more affordable, and as the island continues to embrace renewable energy, the hope is that these vehicles will become more accessible in the near future.
As St. Helena moves toward a sustainable future, its efforts to integrate renewable energy and electric vehicles serve as an inspiring example for remote communities worldwide. With the new EV charging point and plans to expand the electric car fleet, the island is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient future.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the of...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Uni...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker XPeng says it expects to begin delivering its flying cars in 2027, as the company pushes ahead with plans to bring futuristic transport closer to everyday use.
The Middle East crisis is reshaping transport choices worldwide, turning electric vehicles from a long-term climate goal into an immediate economic calculation.
Major automakers showcased new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show this week, under the slogan “electrification is the future." However, weakening demand in the United States and intense competition with China are raising questions for markets across the globe, including the South Caucasus.
Petrol price spikes triggered by the war in Iran are boosting used electric vehicle sales across Europe, online car platforms told Reuters, in an early sign that pain at the pump is pushing consumers away from combustion engines.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
More than 100 people were killed in a violent storm that battered India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with rain and hail, the state Disaster Management and Relief office said on Thursday.
Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment