University of Iceland Geothermal Training Board
Charlestown, Nevis
August, 26, 2008
Geothermal training is in the works for Nevisians. This was the good news received when the Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry and his Nevis delegation visited the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP). The Hon. Joseph Parry held talks with the programme directors on his recent trip to Iceland, August 17-20, 2008.
The Nevis delegation included Junior Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hon. Carlisle Powell, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ernie Stapleton and Protocol Officer, Miss Angelica Elliott.
The UNU-GTP has operated in Iceland since 1979, with an aim at assisting developing countries with geothermal potential to build up or strengthen groups of specialists in most aspects of geothermal exploration and development.
According to Premier Parry, a number of professional studies in geothermal are available in Iceland and the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) led Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is working towards getting interested residents of Nevis, to work towards degrees and certificates in this renewable energy resource to the island. Presently there are no training courses for persons who do not have a first degree, but the (NIA) will be seeking to have a course of study put in place for those individuals who are interested but do not have a professional degree.
The UNU-GTP offers courses in Geological Exploration, Borehole Geology, Geophysical Exploration, Borehole Geophysics, Reservoir Engineering, Chemistry of Thermal Fluids, Geothermal Utilization and Drilling Technology.
Geothermal training in Iceland is intended to provide participants with the ability to carry out independent execution of projects at home.
A six months course is available and includes an introductory lecture course, specialized training, carrying out of projects with report writing and a number of lines of specialization.
Fellowships are awarded to developing countries and some countries are financed by the government of Iceland. Fellowships for MSc studies are offered to the best students, and PhD Fellowships have become recently available.
Deputy Director, Ludvik S. Georgsson told Premier Parry and his delegation that some graduates of these courses have gone on to become leading specialists in geothermal research and development in Africa, Asia, Central America and Eastern Europe. Some have also become world authorities in their field, have contributed significantly to renewable energy development in their part of the world and are very active in the international geothermal community.
Meanwhile, during the slide presentation on the University, Mr. Georgsson declared that the geothermal future of the Caribbean is a progressive one and it should play an important role in the Caribbean. “Geothermal is a renewable energy resource, which is the energy of the future and training of geothermal scientists and engineers, will become strongly needed,” he said.