On December 10, 2025, the handover ceremony of China-aided solar streetlights to Antigua and Barbuda under the South-South cooperation framework to address climate change was held in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda. Chinese Ambassador H.E. Jiang Wei, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Senator Michael Joseph, Director of the Department of Environment Diann Black-Layne and Chairman of Yangde Electric Group Zhang Aiwen attended and addressed the ceremony.

Ambassador Jiang addressed that China always attaches great importance to climate change and actively advances the building of a fair and rational global climate governance system for win-win results. China attaches significance to Small Island Developing States’ concerns and aspirations, including Antigua and Barbuda in this area, and is willing to provide assistance within power to address challenges and achieve development. She noted that the 1,500 sets of streetlights and 200 sets of residential energy storage systems about to arrive are outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding which underwent careful and thorough consultation between two environmental authorities and got signed during Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne’s most recent visit to China.

Zhang noted that solar products are tailored to Antigua and Barbuda’s tropical climate, featuring higher energy efficiency, wind resistance and collision resistance. He said Yangde Electric will keep personnel on the ground to train APUA staff and local technicians in installation, commissioning and maintenance, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership of the system.

Minister Michael Joseph expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its consistent friendship and tangible support. He stated that the installation of these solar units will ease pressure on the national grid, increase nighttime security, and help accelerate Antigua and Barbuda’s transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources.