OECS Commission Partners with IRENA to Bolster Geothermal Energy Development

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC

Geothermal production in Dominica (File Photo)

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has reached a significant partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to bolster stakeholder engagement in the region’s drive to develop geothermal energy.

This collaboration, through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) and the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for meaningful engagement and participation among all stakeholders in geothermal energy development across member states, particularly in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, through the OECS Commission’s GEOBUILD Programme.

The OECS Geothermal Energy: Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment, and Local Development (GEOBUILD) Programme

The GEOBUILD Programme has supported member states in building their capacity for geothermal development to meet their populations’ domestic electricity consumption through clean, renewable, and sustainable geothermal energy.

The program seeks to harness the region’s geothermal potential to provide sustainable energy solutions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote economic resilience.

Project Objectives

The OECS Commission says that working closely with IRENA aims to engage local communities, government officials, and private stakeholders about the benefits and opportunities associated with geothermal energy development, which could transform economies and heighten energy independence and security in the OECS.

It said geothermal energy will significantly enhance energy independence for the participating member states, which currently face some of the highest electricity prices in the world due to their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Benefits

“Building on the success of Guadeloupe, which has been generating geothermal power since 1986 and is expanding its capacity, Dominica is set to make history as the first geothermal power station in the English-speaking OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by late 2025,” the Commission said.

The project manager at the OECS Commission, Dr. Ernie Stapleton, has emphasized the importance of this collaboration:

“The partnership with IRENA represents a pivotal step forward in our efforts to develop geothermal energy in the OECS. By fostering robust stakeholder engagement, we can ensure that the voices of our communities are heard and that their needs are integrated into our energy strategies.

“This approach not only enhances project acceptance but also empowers local stakeholders to take an active role in shaping their energy future,” he added.

Conclusion

The partnership between the OECS Commission and IRENA aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for meaningful engagement and participation among all stakeholders in geothermal energy development across member states. The project fosters inclusive community involvement, empowering local villages near geothermal sites to engage in decision-making processes and actively voice their concerns. Additionally, it focuses on capacity building by equipping stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the partnership between the OECS Commission and IRENA?

A: The partnership aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for meaningful engagement and participation among all stakeholders in geothermal energy development across member states.

Q: What are the benefits of geothermal energy development?

A: Geothermal energy development can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and lower consumer energy costs. Environmentally, it provides a clean and renewable energy source that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Q: What is the timeline for the project?

A: The project aims to have the first geothermal power station in the English-speaking OECS and CARICOM by late 2025.