St. Kitts expects initial work on geothermal exploration to start early 2016

Following news on an MOU with Guadeloupe-based engineering group Teranov, we reported about this last week, there are now details emerging about the government’s take on possible development.

As reported by SKNVibes, the Minister for Public Infrastructure, Honourable Ian Liburd said that his ministry along with the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) has established a road map to develop geothermal energy on St. Kitts on an industrial scale.

“We intend to replace to the best and to the greatest extent the feasible use of fossil fuel generation for energy requirements of St. Kitts and to add green generating capacity means,” he said. “The road map would also include the proposed methodological approach to the government validating this resource.”

A number of initiatives have reportedly been put in place that will lead to the success of the programme, which is expected to be completed in five years.

In April 2016, officials expect to see the launch of slim-hole drilling, a phase to be completed in six months.

A geothermal workshop, which is being organized for November 2016 will focus on the launch of grants, subsidies and concession loans. The launch of a commercial size demonstration well-drilling is anticipated for 2017 and in 2018 the geothermal resource final assessment and power plant. By the year 2020, the geothermal power plant is expected to be commissioned.

Source: SKNVibes