GCF Executive Director Leads Delegation to Nevis Geothermal Project to Reaffirm Support

Nevis Premier Mark Brantley welcomed Green Climate Fund (GCF) Executive Director Mafalda Duarte and a high-level delegation to the island on March 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nevis’ pursuit of geothermal energy. The visit underscored the global recognition of Nevis’ ambitious renewable energy project and the commitment of international partners to support its realization. Premier Brantley expressed his gratitude for Duarte’s presence, recognizing the importance of such high-level engagement in validating the project’s potential transformative impact on Nevis’ future. He emphasized the potential for the geothermal project to revolutionize the island’s energy landscape and serve as a model for sustainable development in the Caribbean region.

The delegation, which included representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Energy in the Federal Government, engaged in productive discussions with Premier Brantley and key stakeholders from Nevis. Wakely Daniel, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry, and Albert Gordon, General Manager of the Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC), were also present, reflecting the collaborative approach taken by the Nevis Island Administration in advancing this critical project. The meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the shared vision for a sustainable energy future and to solidify the partnerships essential for its successful implementation.

Duarte’s visit, part of the broader Green Climate Fund Caribbean Regional Dialogue held in the Federation from March 17 to 20, 2025, focused on firsthand assessment of the geothermal project. She highlighted the immense potential of Nevis’ geothermal resources, estimated at one gigawatt – a figure far exceeding the island’s current energy needs of 30-50 megawatts. This excess capacity presents a unique opportunity for Nevis not only to achieve energy independence but also to become a regional exporter of clean energy, fostering economic growth and contributing to regional energy security. Duarte reaffirmed the GCF’s unwavering commitment to supporting small island developing states like Nevis, particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, in their transition to resilient and sustainable energy systems.

The GCF Executive Director emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the crucial roles played by the CDB and IDB in providing financial and technical expertise. This joint effort reflects a unified commitment to ensuring the project’s success and maximizing its potential benefits for Nevis and the wider Caribbean. Duarte reiterated the importance of not only achieving energy security for Nevis but also leveraging the opportunity to become a green energy exporter, contributing to regional development and demonstrating the transformative power of renewable energy investments.

Minister Maynard echoed the significance of the project and the value of the GCF’s visit, highlighting the national importance of the geothermal initiative. He expressed his confidence that the project’s potential is being recognized at the highest levels, paving the way for substantial benefits for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The delegation’s visit to the Long Point Pier, the designated offloading site for the geothermal drilling equipment, and the Hamilton site, the heart of the geothermal project, further underscored the tangible progress being made. The presence of key NEVLEC personnel, including Naftarie Errar, Project Coordinator for the Project Management Unit, and Ian Ward, Chief Engineer, demonstrated the technical expertise and commitment within the local utility company to driving the project forward.

The geothermal project in Nevis represents a landmark initiative with the potential to reshape the island’s energy landscape and contribute significantly to regional sustainability. With confirmed geothermal resources estimated at one gigawatt, Nevis is poised to become a leader in renewable energy within the Caribbean. The secured funding of US $37 million from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Saudi Fund for Development for the crucial drilling phase demonstrates the significant financial commitment already in place. This investment underscores the confidence in the project’s viability and its potential to deliver on its promise of sustainable energy security and economic growth for Nevis. The visit of the GCF delegation, led by Executive Director Duarte, served to solidify international partnerships and further propel the project towards its transformative goals.