Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has confirmed the geothermal energy project in Nevis is entering a pivotal stage, with the contractor responsible for drilling production wells to be appointed by the end of July. Commenting on Freedom FM’s Issues programme on 17 July, he said: “We have raised the funding to construct the power plant, and by month‑end, the winning bid for the drilling works will be selected”.
This announcement marks a key moment in realising the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda, as international stakeholders—including the Caribbean Development Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the UAE’s K&K Group together with Siemens Energy—back the initiative.
The geothermal plant, expected to produce up to 30 MW of baseload power, will provide clean, affordable electricity to both Nevis and St Kitts, with surplus capacity enabling potential export via a subsea cable. Phase one—focused on drilling production and injection wells—will pave the way for early 2026 commencement of operations.
Funding totalling around US $37 million has been secured from multilateral institutions including the CDB, Inter‑American Development Bank, and Saudi Fund. An earlier investment of US $17 million from the CDB supported surface surveys and environmental planning.
The drilling tender attracted significant interest, with five internationally recognised firms submitting bids: Iceland Drilling Company, UK’s Marriott Drilling and Consortium Drilling, US-based Ormat Technologies, and IPS-USA .
Once operational, the geothermal plant will drastically reduce the Federation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels—as much as 97 % of current electricity is diesel-generated—and deliver major environmental and socioeconomic gains:
- Lower energy prices and predictable tariffs, improving affordability for consumers and businesses
- Enhanced grid stability, enabling reliable power for homes, industries, and tourism, notably cruise ships utilising shore power
- Strengthened energy security, insulating the Federation from fuel price shocks and supply disruptions
- Support for water desalination, food security, and climate resilience under the wider Sustainable Island State Agenda
Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis endorsed the collaborative effort, calling it “a quantum leap forward” and an example of unified leadership under SISA.
A technical evaluation committee—including CDB and regional experts—is set to complete its review by 31 July, after which the successful bidder will negotiate drilling arrangements. Drilling is anticipated to begin in early 2026, when production and reinjection wells will be sunk at Hamilton Estate.
The project’s environmental and social impact assessments reveal comprehensive planning to protect local ecosystems and communities.
Building on a legacy of renewable development—from solar installations at RLB Airport to cruise pier shore power—the geothermal plant positions St. Kitts and Nevis at the forefront of green innovation in the OECS.
With the contractor selection approaching and drilling scheduled to start in 2026, the Nevis geothermal project represents a landmark step toward energy independence, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. As Prime Minister Drew asserted, this initiative is central to transitioning the Federation into a truly sustainable island state.
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