Green Climate Fund Visits Nevis to Support Geothermal Energy Development

Green Climate Fund Executive Director Mafalda Duarte (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

Welcome and Significance of the Visit

Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, Minister of Energy in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), welcomed Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and a high-level delegation on Tuesday, March 18. The visit highlighted Nevis’ commitment to geothermal energy development and the international support backing the island’s shift to renewable energy.

Premier Brantley expressed appreciation for Duarte’s visit, emphasizing 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.”

Transformative Potential of the Geothermal Project

Brantley further underscored the transformative potential of the geothermal project: “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 in attendance were Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry, Wakely Daniel, and NEVLEC General Manager, Albert Gordon.

Green Climate Fund’s Commitment

Duarte’s visit formed part of the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Regional Dialogue, hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis from March 17 to 20. She explained the significance of her presence, reaffirming GCF’s commitment to supporting small island developing states in their fight against climate change. “It’s my pleasure and our pleasure to be here. It’s the first time that I’m in St. Kitts and Nevis, and there are very strong reasons to be here. One of the reasons for our visit is this project that is located in Nevis, which really has the potential to be truly transforming for St. Kitts and Nevis and for the region.”

Project Site Visit and Future Prospects

Following the meeting, the delegation visited Long Point Pier, where drilling equipment for the project will be offloaded, before proceeding to the Hamilton site, the location of Nevis’ groundbreaking geothermal initiative. Several key NEVLEC officials also participated in the site visit, including Naftarie Errar, Project Coordinator for the Project Management Unit, and Ian Ward, Chief Engineer.

Studies confirm that Nevis possesses one of the most promising geothermal resources globally, with the capacity to generate at least one gigawatt of power—far exceeding the island’s domestic demand. This positions Nevis as a potential regional leader in renewable energy. To date, Nevis has secured US$37 million in funding for the drilling phase from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Saudi Fund for Development. This marks a critical milestone in the island’s vision for energy security, sustainability, and economic growth.

The visit by Ms. Duarte and a high-level delegation formed part of the Green Climate Fund Caribbean Regional Dialogue

Conclusion

The visit by the Green Climate Fund Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte, and the high-level delegation to Nevis marks a significant milestone in the island’s journey towards geothermal energy development. With the support of international organizations and the commitment of the Nevis Island Administration, the project is poised to transform the energy landscape of the island and position Nevis as a leader in renewable energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Green Climate Fund’s visit to Nevis? The purpose of the visit is to support Nevis’ geothermal energy development and to reaffirm the GCF’s commitment to supporting small island developing states in their fight against climate change.
What is the potential of Nevis’ geothermal resources? Nevis possesses one of the most promising geothermal resources globally, with the capacity to generate at least one gigawatt of power—far exceeding the island’s domestic demand.
How much funding has Nevis secured for the drilling phase of the project? Nevis has secured US$37 million in funding for the drilling phase from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Saudi Fund for Development.