St. Kitts – Nevis – Geothermal Energy Hub
The National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a historic step toward sustainable energy by unanimously voting in favor of a resolution supporting the development of geothermal power on Nevis. This landmark decision confirms the joint commitment of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to work together on a project that promises cleaner energy and long-term economic benefits.
Collaborative Commitment to Renewable Energy
Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government led by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew for their cooperation and vision. Brantley highlighted the transformative potential of geothermal energy for the twin-island federation.
“We can power St. Kitts and Nevis and have a paradigm shift in terms of how we develop. We have all the stars aligned, all we needed was the will. That’s why today for me is historic because we have a public demonstration of the will to make this happen,” Brantley said. He described geothermal energy as the nation’s most valuable natural resource, (#ad) comparing it to gold, oil, timber, and diamonds.
Putting Politics Aside for National Progress
Prime Minister Drew reinforced the importance of unity and shared purpose in advancing this initiative. “We are obligated, I don’t care what our politics is, to each member of St. Kitts and Nevis that they would have the opportunity to live the best life that they can,” he stated.
He stressed that the resolution reflects concrete action rather than mere words. “St. Kitts and Nevis is going to take this on as a federal project and this document is a clear representation that St. Kitts and Nevis are not merely speaking words of working together, but this Resolution passed in the parliament by Members who are here, actioned together, opposition and government, saying here is the document, we are ready to act.”
Geothermal Project Details
The geothermal initiative aims to harness the natural volcanic energy beneath Nevis to provide a clean, reliable source of power for both islands. This project aligns with global trends toward renewable energy and has the potential to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, lower electricity costs, and strengthen energy security.
- Three production wells and two re-injection wells are planned to support a potential 10-megawatt development.
- The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is providing financial support for the project.
- A tender for drilling was launched in December 2022 and extended twice due to strong interest, receiving over 100 inquiries before closing in April 2023.
- Results of the tender process are expected to be announced soon.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The geothermal project offers significant long-term benefits, including:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability
- Providing stable and affordable electricity for residents and businesses
- Creating local jobs and supporting economic growth
- Strengthening St. Kitts and Nevis’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy
A Historic Step Forward
By uniting across political lines, the leaders of St. Kitts and Nevis have demonstrated their dedication to sustainable development and energy independence. The passage of this resolution marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in the nation’s energy future, promising cleaner power and a stronger economy for generations to come.