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.
Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in China saw a strong year-on-year growth in May, boosted by government-backed trade-in programs designed to stimulate domestic consumption.
A cargo ship carrying around 800 electric vehicles caught fire off Alaska, forcing its 22 crew members to abandon the vessel amid rising concerns over maritime EV fires.
Chinese EV maker BYD has unveiled its budget-friendly Dolphin Surf in Berlin, intensifying competition in Europe's electric car market with prices starting at just €19,990.
SOCAR Energy Switzerland, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), has commissioned Switzerland’s first fast-charging station for electric trucks.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
The Israeli military says Iran has launched missiles at Israel, following Israeli air strikes on military sites in Tehran, Karaj, and other parts of Iran. Iranian air defences have been activated in multiple locations amid escalating hostilities.
Global oil prices surged on Sunday as the Israel-Iran conflict continued to rattle markets, with Brent crude rising 3.9% to $80 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing 4.3% to $77 per barrel.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform, initiated by Azerbaijan, was held in Bonn, Germany this week.
Egypt’s first integrated solar and battery storage plant will deliver dispatchable clean energy, enhance grid stability and manage peak demand. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh of clean energy and avoid up to 1.4 million metric tonnes of emissions per year.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, has announced a record £2.5 billion in additional funding this week to advance the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
The Israeli military says Iran has launched missiles at Israel, following Israeli air strikes on military sites in Tehran, Karaj, and other parts of Iran. Iranian air defences have been activated in multiple locations amid escalating hostilities.
Global oil prices surged on Sunday as the Israel-Iran conflict continued to rattle markets, with Brent crude rising 3.9% to $80 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing 4.3% to $77 per barrel.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment