St. Kitts and Nevis Partner with ELC Electroconsult to Advance Geothermal Energy Development in the OECS Region

St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to become a leader in geothermal energy development within the Eastern Caribbean, thanks to a strategic partnership between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and ELC Electroconsult S.p.A., a renowned Italian engineering firm. This collaboration, operating under the umbrella of the OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) Programme, signifies a substantial advancement in geothermal energy exploration and utilization across five participating OECS Member States. St. Kitts and Nevis, the first nation to solicit ELC Electroconsult’s specialized expertise, is preparing for geothermal production drilling in Nevis in 2026, a pivotal step towards achieving energy independence and regional leadership in renewable energy.

The Nevis geothermal project, focused on the Hamilton Estate, holds the potential to generate up to 30 megawatts of power. This substantial energy capacity could significantly reshape the energy landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis, potentially facilitating power sharing between the two islands via submarine cables. The engagement of ELC Electroconsult, a company boasting extensive experience in geothermal development, including expertise gleaned from Italy’s pioneering geothermal industry at the Lardarello plant, is a major boost to the project’s prospects. Their involvement brings world-class engineering knowledge and resources to the OECS, addressing the specific challenges faced by small island developing states in developing this vital renewable resource.

ELC Electroconsult’s global portfolio, encompassing decades of experience in hydropower and geothermal engineering across various continents, assures the OECS of a robust and knowledgeable partner. Riccardo Balsotti, Senior Project Manager at ELC, has expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership and their commitment to leveraging their expertise to support the OECS countries in their geothermal endeavors. The OECS GEOBUILD Programme, supported by significant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), continues to assemble a team of leading international advisors in law, regulation, social impact, and engineering. This team will provide crucial guidance to Member States navigating the complex processes inherent in geothermal energy development.

The timing of this technical partnership is highly opportune, coinciding with Dominica’s anticipated launch of the OECS’s first geothermal power plant in 2025. This launch will mark the beginning of a new era of energy independence for the region. However, attention is also firmly fixed on Nevis, where the ambitious production drilling scheduled for 2026 could not only revolutionize energy generation within St. Kitts and Nevis but also establish the nation as a geothermal pioneer within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The OECS Commission views this geothermal initiative as more than just an energy development project. It represents a significant stride towards regional energy security, resilience, and sustainability, crucial factors given the challenges of volatile fuel costs and increasing climate vulnerability. By harnessing the geothermal potential beneath Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis is not simply tapping into a renewable energy source but is also investing in a future powered by clean, sustainable, and locally sourced energy. This strategic move positions the nation as a leader in the regional transition towards sustainable energy practices.

This partnership between the OECS and ELC Electroconsult underscores a global trend toward embracing renewable energy sources. As small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and fluctuations in global fuel prices, the development of geothermal energy offers a pathway towards greater energy independence and resilience. The success of this project in St. Kitts and Nevis could serve as a model for other islands in the Caribbean and beyond, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of harnessing geothermal resources in similar contexts. This initiative holds the promise of a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable energy future for St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean region.