BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Organisation of American States (OAS) has given high commendations to the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) for the success of last week’s Eastern Caribbean Geothermal Conference, noting it may lead to a more sustainable energy plan.

The event, hosted by the NIA in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Programme (CREDP/GTZ), offered participants the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in geothermal energy. 

Speakers addressed geothermal exploration and exploitation, training opportunities in geothermal development and the challenges and opportunities for such development in the Eastern Caribbean. And, according to the OAS Representative to the Federation Starret Greene, the geothermal development is a “catalyst for effective energy policy in Federation”.

“This bold move by the Federation and specifically the decision of the Nevis Local Government to develop its geothermal resources, provides the opportunity for the development of a comprehensive energy policy in the Federation – a policy that will facilitate the sustainable use of renewable energy resources, lead to a reduction in the Federation’s dependence on fossil fuels and create cleaner and less expensive energy alternatives that are environmentally friendly,” Greene stated.

Greene also mentioned several issues that were of particular interest to his organisation in its support for the development of renewable energy in the Federation. These included the strengthening of capacity building, procuring financing to meet the demands of high up-front costs and providing education and training to citizens in areas critical to the exploration.

He added that it is equally important to harness and transmit geothermal and other alternative sources of power, and position local investors to make direct financial outlays in emerging operations and related businesses, which are linked to geothermal and other renewable energy sources.

Support for the two-day event also came from a wide cross section of sub-regional, regional, international, academic and energy-related organisations to include the OECS and CARICOM Secretariats, the Mexican National Energy Commission, United Nations University of Iceland and West Indies Power Nevis (Ltd).