BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER of Energy and Utilities Konris Maynard says the Federation is making steady progress toward its renewable energy targets, as Nevis prepares to begin groundwork for its long-anticipated geothermal project.
Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the recently concluded 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Basseterre, Maynard explained that the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is expected to soon announce the successful bidder to undertake drilling for the geothermal development.
Under the project, five wells are expected to be drilled — three designated for production and two for reinjection — a move that could significantly increase electricity generation capacity across both islands.
“It is possible that a plant coming out of those wells can produce maybe about 30 megawatts of renewable energy power. That is significant for an island state that requires 40 megawatts of power for base load,” Maynard noted.
The minister said the federal government is continuing to support the NIA in advancing the geothermal initiative, which has been under discussion for several years.
“So, we are well advanced in that movement,” he added.
Meanwhile, the government is also advancing plans for a large-scale solar project on St. Kitts. Maynard revealed that authorities are preparing to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a 50-megawatt solar power plant, along with an energy storage system of approximately 35 megawatts.
The proposed facility is expected to be located in the Basseterre Valley Aquifer area. "Now that's a protected area. We can't build on it, but it presents an opportunity for us to put solar panels because they will not affect the area in any way,” Maynard explained.
He noted that the government’s broader strategy is to fully utilize the renewable energy resources available to the Federation.
“So what we are seeking to do... is to maximise the energy resources that we know exist in St. Kitts and Nevis — sun, for sure, and geothermal,” the minister said.
Maynard also acknowledged that the previous administration had explored geothermal potential on St. Kitts, but said the current focus is on Nevis because the resource there has already been studied and is closer to development. " And so our first phase, of course, is to ensure that we support the development which is most readily available resource. It doesn't mean that in the future there is not more exploration that is required, and that will come."
For now, the government is pushing full steam ahead with assistance to Nevis for the development on the island.
