Geothermal Energy Development in the OECS Region
Introduction
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has secured vital technical assistance to build local expertise as the first geothermal power plant in the subregion nears completion and other OECS countries advance their projects.
Geothermal Power Plant in Dominica
Dominica is set to begin constructing the first geothermal power plant in the OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), following 38 years of power generation from geothermal sources in the neighboring French island of Guadeloupe. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2025.
OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building
The OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment, and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) program has announced a strategic collaboration with the Aotearoa New Zealand-Caribbean Facility for Renewable Energy (FRENZ) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of geothermal energy skills and training needs across the region.
Program Objectives
The OECS GEOBUILD program aims to unlock the geothermal energy potential in five OECS member states. It is intended to bring economic and environmental benefits beyond electric power generation, contributing to the region’s sustainable development. The program is supported by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility, and the Inter-American Development Bank (DB).
FRENZ Collaboration
FRENZ is supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) through its International Development Cooperation. The six-month initiative will create a roadmap for developing sustainable capacity in geothermal energy development.
Workforce Development
"This collaboration is critical in our region’s energy transition. With multiple geothermal projects moving forward simultaneously at varying stages of development, we must ensure our people have the skills and education to develop and manage these resources effectively. We cannot rely indefinitely on external expertise," said Dr Ernie Stapleton, the GEOBUILD project manager.
The initiative will examine workforce requirements across the geothermal development cycle, from initial exploration to power plant operation. It will identify opportunities to build expertise in project management, engineering, technical, environmental and social monitoring, community engagement, and regulatory oversight, essential skills as each OECS member state joins the French island of Guadeloupe in generating power or other direct uses from the heat beneath our feet.
Sustainability
"This isn’t just about training individuals. It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem of knowledge and expertise that can support geothermal development across the entire region, building on the skills of those OECS nationals who have already undertaken training in this area in countries that are geothermal leaders, such as Iceland," said Dr. Stapleton.
Conclusion
The OECS GEOBUILD program is a significant step forward in the region’s transition to renewable energy. With the support of FRENZ and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program aims to build sustainable capacity in geothermal energy development, enabling the region to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building program?
A: The program aims to unlock the geothermal energy potential in five OECS member states and bring economic and environmental benefits beyond electric power generation, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
Q: What is FRENZ?
A: FRENZ is a facility for renewable energy, supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that provides technical assistance and expertise in geothermal energy development.
Q: What is the duration of the FRENZ initiative?
A: The FRENZ initiative is a six-month program that will create a roadmap for developing sustainable capacity in geothermal energy development.
Q: What is the significance of geothermal energy development in the OECS region?
A: Geothermal energy development is critical to the region’s energy transition, as it can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote sustainable development.
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