Nevis on Track with Geothermal

Nevis Geothermal Project Attracts Attention from US Virgin Islands and Saba

Interesting news came from the Lesser Antilles last week for the prospects of renewable geothermal energy for several Caribbean nations.  Delegations from both the US Virgin Islands and the neighboring Dutch protectorate of Saba visited Nevis from February 27-29.  In addition to meeting with officials, the delegations visited the drilling sites for the Nevis Geothermal Project, operated by West Indies Power (Nevis) Ltd. 

Drilling began in January 2008 and the project is on track to date.  Nevis has long been known for its hot springs, and exploration found 5 viable sites clustered around several faults.  The site farthest along in production is Spring Hill, visited by the diplomatic delegations (drilling shown in picture).

When completed, it is expected that the Spring Hill site alone will produce 50-100 megawatts of electricity and a geothermal power plant is under construction.  A portable geothermal power plant will be on site by July and will produce 5-6 megawatts in the meantime. 

At current peak levels Nevis consumes 9-10 megawatts of electricity.  When the geothermal power plants come on line, this will allow Nevis to be powered 100% self-sufficiently with renewable geothermal energy.  Nevis plans to sell its excess electricity to close neighbors like St. Kitts.  The geothermal power will be less expensive than other renewable and fossil fuel sources.

The potential of geothermal energy for small, developing nations such as Nevis are encouraging.  The generation of electricity with geothermal energy will be far less expensive than the current diesel imports.  This nonpolluting and affordable source of energy will provide cheaper electricity and lower the cost of living for residents.  In cases such as these, geothermal energy is really a win-win situation as the standard of living will rise, opportunities will increase and the local environment will be cleaner.