GCF Executive Director and Team Visit Nevis to See Geothermal Project Firsthand, Emphasize Support
Introduction
NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 21, 2025) – The Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, Minister of Energy in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), welcomed a high-level delegation led by Green Climate Fund (GCF) Executive Director Mafalda Duarte on Tuesday, March 18.
The Visit and Its Significance
The visit underscored the importance of Nevis’ geothermal energy ambitions and the commitment of international partners to supporting the island’s transition to renewable energy.
Premier Brantley welcomed Duarte and expressed appreciation for her visit, highlighting its significance. “We have been on this journey for quite some time in terms of geothermal and renewable energy.
“It says a lot to the public when someone at your level has decided that this is an important enough initiative for you to come here in person, and I don’t think the significance of this should be understated. We are very grateful for that.”
(l-r) Green Climate Fund Executive Director Mafalda Duarte and Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, Minister of Energy in the Nevis Island Administration, at Nevis’ Geothermal Project Hamilton Site on March 18, 2025
The Geothermal Project and Its Potential
Premier Brantley further emphasized the transformative impact of the geothermal project, stating, “I think that if we can succeed, and I believe that we can, on this journey that we have set our feet on, it will be transformative for our country.”
The delegation included the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Energy in the Federal Government, along with representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Also attending the meeting at the NIA Cabinet Room were Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry Wakely Daniel, and Albert Gordon, General Manager of the Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC).
GCF’s Commitment to the Project
Duarte’s visit to Nevis was part of the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Regional Dialogue, held in the Federation from March 17 to 20, 2025. She explained that her visit aimed to assess the geothermal project firsthand and reaffirm GCF’s commitment to small island developing states, which are highly vulnerable to climate change.
Green Climate Fund Executive Director Mafalda (c) flanked by Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley (l), Federal Minister of Energy the Honourable Konris Maynard (r) and international and local officials during a visit to Nevis’ Geothermal Project Hamilton Site on March 18, 2025
Conclusion
Duarte emphasized the commitment of GCF and its partners to ensuring the project’s success. She stated that the potential was extraordinary for transforming the country and others in the region. She expressed that it was an honour for them to be part of the program alongside the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.
Studies have confirmed that Nevis possesses one of the most promising geothermal resources in the world, with the capacity to generate at least one gigawatt of power- equivalent to one billion watts or 1,000 megawatts. This potential positions Nevis as a leader in renewable energy within the region.
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